It's interesting to note that this is yet another trend that came from Asia. Like stickers, another feature that was recently added to Messenger, this feature has long been in apps like Tencent's WeChat.
And it's used extensively there. Just last month, during Chinese New Year, WeChat added a feature that let Chinese users send money to their WeChat contacts, following in the tradition where people give red envelopes of money (红包) to family members and friends. From what I hear, it was incredibly popular—I even received one myself from a Chinese friend.
I wouldn't underestimate the potential popularity of this move. Especially once they open this up to countries outside the US.
And it's used extensively there. Just last month, during Chinese New Year, WeChat added a feature that let Chinese users send money to their WeChat contacts, following in the tradition where people give red envelopes of money (红包) to family members and friends. From what I hear, it was incredibly popular—I even received one myself from a Chinese friend.
I wouldn't underestimate the potential popularity of this move. Especially once they open this up to countries outside the US.