Facebook's standalone Messenger app is inching closer to a full-service SMS client with today's addition of video messages.
Messenger version 6.0 for iPhone includes Instant Video Sending—the ability to shoot and play 15-second video messages from the in-app camera—as well as "Big Likes," an even bigger thumbs up, for when you really, really like something.
The social network dropped its Messenger service from the main Facebook app in April, launching a separate application that allows users to send messages, stickers, and photos, and even make voice calls over Wi-Fi.
Weeks later, Facebook gave the app a boost with the option to snap and send photos without leaving the application, and attach videos from your camera roll.
But keep in mind: All of these additions come without a preview mode, so anything you click (stickers, photos, voice messages, videos) will be sent immediately.
To share up to 15 seconds of video content, tap the camera icon, then hold the "Send" button while recording. Let go to deliver, or swipe your finger away to delete and start over.
Version 6.0 of Messenger is now available for free download in the iTunes App Store; Android users appear to be on the waiting list, but should keep an eye on the Google Play store for the update.
The move comes as Facebook is also prepping the Snapchat-like Slingshot app, which accidentally appeared briefly in select app stores earlier this week, before being removed from the Web.
Slingshot first made headlines in May, and promises the same self-destructing-photos platform as Snapchat and other ephemeral rivals. Facebook added a twist, though: recipients cannot view your content until they've sent a message in return.
Facebook also owns Instagram, which added the ability to record 15-second videos last year.
Facebook's updates and new applications arrive shortly after the social network announced that it finally crossed the 1 billion mark for monthly active mobile users. Separately, there are more than 200 million monthly active users on Facebook's Messenger app.
For more, see PCMag's review of Facebook Messenger for iPhone and the slideshow above.