By Matt Grossman 



  Facebook Inc. said Wednesday that it is replacing its Instagram platform's direct-message function, integrating Instagram messaging with Facebook's Messenger service. 


  Currently, Messenger is the direct messaging app for Facebook users, while Instagram has had its own direct messaging. 


  Facebook said people on Instagram can decide if they want to update immediately. 


  The change will make it easier for users to find conversations and receive messages, according to Facebook. Messenger features on Instagram will include message forwarding, privacy controls and animation and graphics capabilities, Facebook said. 


  The company is also adding a vanish mode to Messenger, which will allow users to set messages to disappear automatically after they are seen. 


  Write to Matt Grossman at matt.grossman@wsj.com