As of today, Facebook users can now hail a Lyft car directly within the Messenger app. The new tool is designed to help Lyft compete with popular ride-hailing app Uber, which has allowed Facebook users to request Uber rides via Facebook Messenger since December.
With the new partnership in place, Facebook users can now hail a Lyft car without navigating away from the Messenger app. In addition, Lyft is also launching the Lyft Developer Program, which allows developers to add branded buttons to their apps that will automatically hail a Lyft car. Beyond Facebook Messenger, Lyft is also also integrated with Slack, Shell, Starbucks and Google's Waze.
The new feature is indicative of the rise of API ingratiation and the the popularity of brands lending their services to third-party applications such as Facebook.
Social Media Taxi Services
This Tool Allows Facebook Users to Hail a Lyft Car
Trend Themes
1. API Integration - The rise of API integration creates opportunities for brands to expand their services and convenience for users in third-party applications such as Facebook Messenger.
2. Mobile Ride-hailing - The convenience of hailing a Lyft car directly within Facebook Messenger demonstrates the opportunity for mobile ride-hailing services to continue to innovate and compete with Uber.
3. Brand Partnership - The partnership between Facebook and Lyft demonstrates the opportunities for brands to work together to create a seamless experience for users and expand their services to new audiences.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile App Development - The integration of Lyft within Facebook Messenger shows opportunities for mobile app developers to add convenient services for users with API integration.
2. Ride-hailing Services - The rise of convenient mobile ride-hailing services such as Lyft, Uber and others, creates opportunities for innovation and convenience for users.
3. Social Media Marketing - The integration of ride-hailing services within social media platforms like Facebook and Slack demonstrates opportunities for brands to expand their reach and improve user convenience through brand partnerships.