Observed Signal · Jun 15, 2016 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Facebook Messenger Now Supports SMS
Facebook has announced that regular SMS messages can be received directly within the Messenger app, following the relocation of Facebook's messaging functionality to Messenger. This enables users to read SMS without leaving Messenger. To activate, users must go to Settings, select SMS, and set Messenger as the default SMS app. The integration does not imply free data transfer; SMS pricing remains determined by the mobile provider. The feature is currently available on Android devices and not yet on iOS. Additional details and initial visuals are provided in the linked Facebook post. The rollout aims to reduce the need for switching between chat apps, consolidating messaging within Messenger.
Technical Release on major platform (Facebook) with industry-wide implications for messaging and data costs.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Facebook announces SMS can be received in Messenger.
- Users enable by Settings -> SMS and set Messenger as default SMS app.
- Feature currently available on Android; not available on iOS yet.
- SMS costs remain provider-based; data transfer is not free.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
Instagram's Edits app now allows creators to create Carousel posts directly within the app, according to an announcement by Instagram's Creators account via Instagram and Threads. The feature is available immediately for iOS users, with an Android version expected soon. In a broadcast channel, Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed that users can mix photos and videos on any slide, connect images across slides, and use the same stickers, text effects, and cutouts used in video editing. This functionality aims to streamline content creation and boost engagement, as Carousels remain a popular format on the platform. Additionally, the Edits AI Assistant, which provides video ideas based on account metrics, is currently available only in the US. Meta continues to enhance its creator tools to support social media marketing efforts.
Global ad market grows 11.9% in 2026; print, TV weak
According to Warc Media's forecast, the global advertising market is set to grow by 11.9% in 2026 to $1.34 trillion, following 10% growth in 2024 and 2025. Key growth drivers include investments in AI and major events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Social media will see the strongest growth at 21.3% to $394.6 billion, followed by VOD, retail media, search, and DOOH. Traditional media declines: TV down 1.8%, print down 0.9%, and radio down 3.0%. Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will capture a combined 59.7% of global ad spend outside China. The growth is expected to normalize to 8.4% in 2027 and 7.9% in 2028. AI is reshaping targeting, creative, and campaign optimization, and creating new ad environments like generative search.
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