Messenger just got a massive update that people have been asking for for years

Facebook owner Meta has just revealed a massive update to Messenger that users have been desperate for for years.

The days of creating entire photo albums on Facebook just to commemorate one night out might be behind us, but that doesn't mean people don't want to share their photos any more.

Meta has rolled out a number of updates on the app. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In fact, we're often desperate to make sure we get hold of every snap from an event just to make sure we can compare all the different angles, lighting changes and camera qualities.

The problem is, people often can't agree on the best way to send those photos. A simple iMessage? Maybe over WhatsApp? Or even a Google folder?

Meta might have just removed the need for debate with news of its update, which means that users can now send photos in HD, allowing for 'clearer, crisper photos in your chats'.

In order to take advantage of the feature, simply select an image on Messenger, then turn on the HD toggle, and hit send.

If you then want to send additional photos in HD, all you need to do is tap on them and send them on their way.

The photos should hold their quality when sent on Messenger. (Meta)

The news will no doubt be welcomed by users who have previously complained about the quality of photos sent over Messenger, with one person going as far as to equate the quality of photos in the app to 'a potato'.

The ability to send HD photos isn't the only update coming to Messenger, either.

In a press release, Meta announced that users can now also create Shared Albums with friends on the app.

In order to create an album in a group chat, you can select photos in the app and tap 'Create Album'. Alternatively, you can press and hold a photo in the chat to bring up the Create Album button.

Once you've created the album, you can simply select photos and click 'Add to album'.

Everyone in the group will then be able to view, add, delete and download photos from the album.

The update allows users to create group albums. (Meta)

Meta has also increased the size of files that can be sent via Messenger, explaining that you 'no longer have to rely on email to send large files'.

Files up to 100MB can now be sent via the app, with supported formats including Word, PDF and Excel.

Finally, the update allows users to add new connections by using a QR code designed for Messenger, meaning you don't need to type in a name or number to find them on the app.

To start a message thread using a QR code, go to your Settings and tap the QR code icon at the top. From there, the other user can either scan your code, or you can share a link by tapping Share.

With the new update now live, hopefully there'll be no question about the best way to send photos going forward.

Topics: Social Media, Technology, Facebook

Emily Brown

Emily Brown is UNILAD Editorial Lead at LADbible Group. She first began delivering news when she was just 11 years old - with a paper route - before graduating with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University. Emily joined UNILAD in 2018 to cover breaking news, trending stories and longer form features. She went on to become Community Desk Lead, commissioning and writing human interest stories from across the globe, before moving to the role of Editorial Lead. Emily now works alongside the UNILAD Editor to ensure the page delivers accurate, interesting and high quality content.