You know something is big when it doesn't need the prefix 'Facebook' to be readily identified. And so it is with Facebook Messenger, the wildly popular messaging app more commonly known simply as 'Messenger'.

Today we're having a look at Facebook's superstar app.

Loud and clear

Messenger was released for iOS and Android in August 2011, making it four years old.

Today the app now has 700 million users around the globe.

Controversial beginnings

In April 2014 Facebook put a few noses out of joint by announcing its users would have to download Messenger if they wanted to send messages via the Facebook app.

While this arm twisting didn't go down well with many, the proof is largely in the pudding . Today Messenger is the second most popular Instant Messaging app, behind WhatsApp with 800 million users.

Conveniently, Facebook owns both.

Talk time

Over one month 9.5 billion photos are sent over Messenger, and over one million video calls are made daily.

Messenger is a hit with the kids – 89% of US teens use the app.

And the country where Messenger is most popular? The Philippines.

Add ons

Messenger has since expanded its reach beyond simple text and voice messaging. In the US users can now send money to friends via the app, and video calls were introduced in August this year.

In fact, 10% of global internet phone calls are now placed via Messenger.