Customer Reviews (500)

JoetheWalrus • 2025-03-21T23:39:08-07:00

Annoying AI button in the text entry field gets activated by mistake everytime I go back to fix bad autocorrect mistakes my iPhone has made. We don't want AI in Messenger, we want simple and fast messages we can send with our friends.

Micoconout • 2025-03-21T19:31:55-07:00

Muy buen servicio en Messenger me encanta

Hola8721# • 2025-03-21T19:14:05-07:00

Hola8721#

Summary of Key Insights

Messenger receives mixed reviews, with a significant number of users expressing satisfaction (5-star reviews represent 56% of the total) while a considerable portion reports negative experiences (1-star reviews representing 26.8%). Key strengths include its convenience for connecting with family and friends, especially across different devices and internationally. However, numerous users report persistent bugs, notification issues, and concerns about privacy and the integration of AI features. The app's performance and stability are also frequently criticized. There's a clear divide between users who find it essential for communication and those frustrated by its technical issues and perceived privacy violations.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews analyzed were collected up to the current date.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews based on star ratings and textual content to determine overall sentiment.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned terms and phrases related to bugs, features, and user experiences.
    • Topic Modeling: Grouping reviews into common themes to understand recurring issues and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • False Unread Message Notifications: Many users report the app constantly showing unread messages when none exist, causing frustration and annoyance.
  • Notification Issues: Delayed or missing notifications are a recurring problem, leading users to miss important messages.
  • Bugs and Glitches: Users report various technical issues, including app crashes, inability to send or receive messages, and problems with Facebook Pay.
  • AI Integration Issues: The forced integration of Meta AI, especially the button placement, is seen as intrusive and unwanted by some users. Some users also express concern about their data being used for AI training.
  • Loss of Messages: Some users have reported losing important messages after updates.
  • Facebook Pay Issues: Inability to add cards, payments getting stuck, and general instability of the feature.
  • Video/Audio Quality Issues: Some users report blurry video quality, low audio, and dropped calls.
  • Privacy Concerns: Concerns about data collection and privacy violations by Meta are frequently mentioned.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Option to Disable Meta AI: Users want the ability to disable or remove the AI features.
  • Fix False Notification Bug: Resolving the issue of persistent unread message notifications is highly desired.
  • Chat Heads for iPhone: Similar to the Android functionality.
  • Improved Search Functionality: Ability to search within chats effectively.
  • Option to Delete All Messages: A feature to delete all messages at once.
  • Bring Back Old Features: Some users want the old features back, like the ability to put friends in alphabetical order or the old icon.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Convenience for Communication: Users appreciate the app's ability to connect with family and friends, especially internationally and across different devices.
  • Video Call Quality (Sometimes): Some users praise the video call quality and stability, particularly compared to Apple's FaceTime.
  • Easy to Use: Many find the app easy to use for basic messaging and calling.
  • Useful for Business: Some users find it helpful for communicating with customers and managing their online businesses.
  • Free to Use: The fact that it's free is a significant advantage for many users.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix False Unread Message Notifications: This is a widespread and highly irritating issue that needs immediate attention.
  • Address Notification Issues: Resolve the delayed or missing notification problems to ensure users receive timely alerts.
  • Improve App Stability and Fix Bugs: Address the reported crashes, sending/receiving message failures, and Facebook Pay issues.

Medium Priority:

  • Provide Option to Disable Meta AI: Give users the choice to disable or remove AI features to improve user experience and address privacy concerns.
  • Enhance Facebook Pay Functionality: Stabilize the payment feature and provide better error messaging and support.
  • Improve Search Functionality: Make the search function within chats more reliable and effective.

Low Priority:

  • Consider Chat Heads for iPhone: Evaluate the feasibility and demand for implementing chat heads on iOS.
  • Address Icon/Color Preferences: Consider user feedback regarding the app icon and color scheme in future updates.
  • Add "Delete All Messages" Option: Implement a feature to delete all messages at once for improved user control.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Privacy-Focused Messaging App: Develop a messaging app that prioritizes user privacy and data security, addressing the concerns raised in the reviews.
  • Bug-Free Messenger Client: Create a third-party messenger client that focuses on stability and performance, offering a cleaner and more reliable experience.
  • AI-Optional Communication Platform: Build a communication platform that offers AI features as opt-in options, respecting user preferences and control.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: Reviews are predominantly in English and Spanish, suggesting a strong user base in these regions.
  • Shift in Sentiment: Recent updates seem to have negatively impacted user sentiment due to bugs, unwanted AI integration, and feature removals.
  • Recurring Technical Issues: The same technical issues, such as false notifications, have been reported for extended periods, indicating a lack of effective resolution.
  • Brand Loyalty vs. Frustration: Despite the issues, some users express strong loyalty to Messenger, highlighting its importance in their daily communication. However, frustration levels are increasing due to unresolved problems.

Conclusion

Messenger remains a popular communication tool, but it faces significant challenges related to technical issues, privacy concerns, and unwanted feature integrations. Addressing the prioritized action recommendations is crucial for improving user satisfaction and retaining users. The app's future success depends on its ability to balance innovation with stability and respect for user preferences.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messenger/id454638411?uo=2