Facebook revealed — at its virtual developers conference F8 Refresh — it will create new ways for businesses to interact with customers on Instagram and WhatsApp.
The world’s largest social network said it would be rolling out tools assisting developers in order to build ways for businesses to message customers on Facebook-owned Instagram. Facebook said 90 percent of Instagram users follow at least one business.
Every day, more than 175 million people message a WhatsApp Business account to discuss products and get customer support.
Facebook said its messaging app WhatsApp would support more types of messages, like letting businesses send alerts when an item is back in stock. It is also testing a separate way for people to opt into messaging with businesses through a Login Connect feature.
Facebook is focusing on expanding e-commerce, building augmented and virtual reality, and helping creators make money on its platforms, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said after the company released its latest earnings report.
WhatsApp has faced a major backlash in recent months after updating its privacy policy while expanding its business messaging tools, confusing many users who were concerned that it meant their data would be shared with Facebook.
Facebook also announced plans to launch new tools to allow researchers to analyze its data across public pages, groups and events.
