Since 2008 when Facebook was first debuted, it has gone through many changes.

From a once pared down web-based instant messaging client, the social network’s IM feature now boasts Skype-powered video chat, delivery receipt, and automatic chat history.

In this guide, we will explore how to get started on Facebook Chat and how to use each of the features so you can get the most out of your social networking experience. 

One thing which remains the same: the location of your buddy list. To begin exploring the IM client, click the tab in the bottom right-hand corner to get started, as illustrated in the screenshot above.

1. Explore the Facebook Chat Contacts List 

The Facebook Chat buddy list serves as the nerve center for instant messaging communications on the social network.

In addition to displaying online friends ready for chat, whether an IM or video chat, the contacts list is also where you can access a myriad of controls and settings to personalize the experience as you see fit. 

We will explore the Facebook Chat buddy list together, moving counter-clockwise around the illustrated guide above:

 1. Activity Feed: Above your contacts, you will notice a continuously updated feed of activity and information from your friends on the Facebook social network.

Clicking on entries will allow you to comment on photos, Wall posts and more without leaving your current page.

 2. Buddy List: Below the Activity feed, your contacts are organized into two different categories, including most recent and often contacted friends on top and “More Online Friends,” or people you have not sent and IM to recently.

 3. Search: Typing in the name of a Facebook contact in the search field, located in the lower left corner, will help you find your friends faster.

This is helpful for members with hundreds or even thousands of friends.

 4. Settings: Under the cogwheel icon, you will find your Facebook Chat sound settings, the ability to block specific people and groups, and an option to log off Facebook Chat.

 5. Collapse Sidebar: Pressing this icon will shrink your buddy list and activity feed down to the tab illustrated on the first page of this article.

6. Availability Icons: Facebook designates online friends with one of two icons, the green dot, which shows a user is online on their PC and able to receive an instant message; and the mobile phone icon, signifying the user is able to chat from their mobile or smart device. 

2. How to Send IMs on Facebook Chat 

Sending an instant message with Facebook Chat is simple, and takes just three steps to get started

First, open your buddy list if you have not already done so, and locate a friend you wish to send an instant message.

Next, a window will appear (like the window illustrated in the screenshot above).

 Enter your text in the field provided at the bottom of the screen, and click “Enter” on your keyboard to send.

Facebook Chat instant messages can also include more than just text.

With nearly two dozen Facebook emoticons to choose from, these graphical smileys are a great way to dress up your messages.

To add an emoticon, type in the keystrokes necessary to enable an emoticon or click the menu in the lower right corner and click on the icon you wish to use.

 Learn more about Facebook smileys and what they do.

Here’s how to enable a group chat:

1.  Start a Facebook Chat conversation with any person on your buddy list you wish to include in your group chat.

2. Click the cog wheel icon, located in the upper right corner of the window.

3. Select “Add Friends to Chat” from the drop-down menu.

In the field provided (as illustrated in the screenshot above), enter the names of your friends you wish to add to your group chat. Click the blue “Done” button to begin.

Once group chat is enabled, you can send an instant message to multiple users at once.

5. How to Make Video Calls on Facebook 

Chat Facebook Chat video calls, powered by Skype, is a free feature that allows friends on the social network to contact each other with their webcams and microphones.

Ensure these peripherals are connected and in good working order, and then follow these instructions to launch a video chat on your Facebook account:

1. Click on your friend’s name on your buddy list.

2. Locate the camera icon in the upper right corner of the IM window.

3. The video calling feature will enable, dialing your friend.

4. Wait as your contact decided to accept or reject the call.

If a Facebook contact is not available to receive the call, a note will be added to an instant message letting them know you attempted to video call them.

1. Click the cogwheel icon in the top right corner of the IM window.

2. Select “See Full Conversation.”

3. View the entire chat history in your Messages inbox.

1. Open your inbox.

2. Enter your contact’s name in the search field in the upper right corner of your inbox.

3. Select resulting entries to view past conversations.

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Since 2008 when Facebook was first debuted, it has gone through many changes.

From a once pared down web-based instant messaging client, the social network’s IM feature now boasts Skype-powered video chat, delivery receipt, and automatic chat history.

In this guide, we will explore how to get started on Facebook Chat and how to use each of the features so you can get the most out of your social networking experience. 

One thing which remains the same: the location of your buddy list. To begin exploring the IM client, click the tab in the bottom right-hand corner to get started, as illustrated in the screenshot above.

1. Explore the Facebook Chat Contacts List 

The Facebook Chat buddy list serves as the nerve center for instant messaging communications on the social network.

In addition to displaying online friends ready for chat, whether an IM or video chat, the contacts list is also where you can access a myriad of controls and settings to personalize the experience as you see fit. 

We will explore the Facebook Chat buddy list together, moving counter-clockwise around the illustrated guide above:

 1. Activity Feed: Above your contacts, you will notice a continuously updated feed of activity and information from your friends on the Facebook social network.

Clicking on entries will allow you to comment on photos, Wall posts and more without leaving your current page.

 2. Buddy List: Below the Activity feed, your contacts are organized into two different categories, including most recent and often contacted friends on top and “More Online Friends,” or people you have not sent and IM to recently.

 3. Search: Typing in the name of a Facebook contact in the search field, located in the lower left corner, will help you find your friends faster.

This is helpful for members with hundreds or even thousands of friends.

 4. Settings: Under the cogwheel icon, you will find your Facebook Chat sound settings, the ability to block specific people and groups, and an option to log off Facebook Chat.

 5. Collapse Sidebar: Pressing this icon will shrink your buddy list and activity feed down to the tab illustrated on the first page of this article.

6. Availability Icons: Facebook designates online friends with one of two icons, the green dot, which shows a user is online on their PC and able to receive an instant message; and the mobile phone icon, signifying the user is able to chat from their mobile or smart device. 

2. How to Send IMs on Facebook Chat 

Sending an instant message with Facebook Chat is simple, and takes just three steps to get started

First, open your buddy list if you have not already done so, and locate a friend you wish to send an instant message.

Next, a window will appear (like the window illustrated in the screenshot above).

 Enter your text in the field provided at the bottom of the screen, and click “Enter” on your keyboard to send.

Facebook Chat instant messages can also include more than just text.

With nearly two dozen Facebook emoticons to choose from, these graphical smileys are a great way to dress up your messages.

To add an emoticon, type in the keystrokes necessary to enable an emoticon or click the menu in the lower right corner and click on the icon you wish to use.

 Learn more about Facebook smileys and what they do.

Here’s how to enable a group chat:

1.  Start a Facebook Chat conversation with any person on your buddy list you wish to include in your group chat.

2. Click the cog wheel icon, located in the upper right corner of the window.

3. Select “Add Friends to Chat” from the drop-down menu.

In the field provided (as illustrated in the screenshot above), enter the names of your friends you wish to add to your group chat. Click the blue “Done” button to begin.

Once group chat is enabled, you can send an instant message to multiple users at once.

5. How to Make Video Calls on Facebook 

Chat Facebook Chat video calls, powered by Skype, is a free feature that allows friends on the social network to contact each other with their webcams and microphones.

Ensure these peripherals are connected and in good working order, and then follow these instructions to launch a video chat on your Facebook account:

1. Click on your friend’s name on your buddy list.

2. Locate the camera icon in the upper right corner of the IM window.

3. The video calling feature will enable, dialing your friend.

4. Wait as your contact decided to accept or reject the call.

If a Facebook contact is not available to receive the call, a note will be added to an instant message letting them know you attempted to video call them.

1. Click the cogwheel icon in the top right corner of the IM window.

2. Select “See Full Conversation.”

3. View the entire chat history in your Messages inbox.

1. Open your inbox.

2. Enter your contact’s name in the search field in the upper right corner of your inbox.

3. Select resulting entries to view past conversations.

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