Long gone are the days when Messenger was merely the place to send texts and emojis. You can already order food, send money, and make video calls on Facebook's popular app.

Now you can share 360-degree photos and HD videos too.

Look at this

360-degree photos are now available globally on Messenger's iOS and Android apps. You'll recognise them by the compass icon on the right hand side of the photo page.

To take a 360-degree photo, select panorama mode and basically spin slowly in a circle.

360-degree photos are shared just like regular photos, and can be viewed in full-screen mode, either in HD or SD.

Visual twist

HD videos are also now available on Messenger in 18 countries including Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US.

These 720p clips can be shared directly from the camera roll.

Keeping up with the Joneses

While not exactly ground-breaking updates, they could help brands engage more visually with customers. 

The also demonstrate that the messaging apps of today are coming closer to full service social networks.

It could also help brands on Messenger engage more visually with customers. To find out more visit newsroom.fb.com.