Facebook starts testing ads in Messenger

Facebook is starting a test with ads in its Messenger app in two countries. Companies can place ads on Messenger’s home screen, which also displays birthdays and active users, for example.

Facebook has no plans to show ads in the conversations for the time being, according to the announcement. Companies can use the advertisements to entice people to start a conversation. It is not possible for companies to send messages to people themselves, without a person having first interacted.

According to the social network, it is currently a small test in Australia and Thailand. It is not known when the test will be extended to other countries. Facebook says it will take time before considering showing ads to more users.

Messenger has a billion monthly users. Facebook has been investigating revenue models for its chat services for some time. The company also wants to make money with WhatsApp by letting companies contact people.