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Does MySpace have an Instant Message (IM) service?

I'm a big fan of MySpace and all my friends are too, but we really want to be able to talk real-time rather than just send email messages back and forth and post endless bulletins. I know Google has its IM service, Microsoft has one, heck, even Yahoo has an IM service, but what about MySpace? Is there a MySpace Messenger?

Dave's Answer:

Funny you'd ask that, actually. While there's not a formal published and downloadable instant message client for MySpace yet, there is a MySpace Messenger client that they're starting to talk about.

(Note: last I tried that link now redirects you to the MySpace home page, but it used to show you some interesting information about MySpace Messenger)

Fortunately, I scrounged up a few screenshots thanks to Pete Cashmore:

This, of course, lots a lot like AOL's Instant Messenger service AIM, but maybe that's just because all the IM client developers are stuck in a rut? Of course, it could also be a mockup and not legit at all, but it was on the MySpace site, so...

Here's another image, this is of the Buddy list window:

Again, very reminiscent of AOL's IM client on Windows XP, but it's hard not to like the big "MySpace Messenger" graphic on the bottom, isn't it?

Is it real? Is it a sign of things to come? Or is it a dead page that surfaced on a project that's already been cancelled? According to the comments on Digg this client's already been abandoned after beta testing and MySpace has given up on IM. But I really find it hard to give credibility to anything on Digg, somehow.

In any case, you might check out the latest version of Skype. With its 10-way calling and easy IM interface, it could be a nice alternative to The Usual Suspects in the IM wars and help you and your friends stay plugged in.

Good luck!

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Categorized: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Social Network Help (Article 6363)
Tagged: aim, instant messaging, messenger, myspace, skype, yim
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Comments

yo whats good add me add a friend

Posted by: Johnny at September 13, 2007 11:41 PM

Excellent article.
I recently found out that eBuddy now also supports MySpace IM (also MSN, Yahoo, AIM, Gtalk), very handy at work: http://www.ebuddy.com/#myspace

Posted by: Hank at September 19, 2007 4:53 AM

I like MySpace a lot, but I really don't like the IM client. Instead I use the eBuddy client at www.ebuddy.com. It's very easy to use, everywhere available and you can even use different chats (like MSN, AOL, Yahoo, AIM, MySpace etc). Highly recommended!

Posted by: Sandy at September 19, 2007 7:38 AM

Ok, I am trying really hard to get a conversation going in 1 window between my cousin, my mom and myself. Is there any way at all to join the conversations in 1 IM window without having to go into a chat room and risk everyone being able to see our convo?

Posted by: Pansy Girl at October 29, 2007 8:05 PM

I don't think that MySpace IM supports that, but if you three can all get on Yahoo IM (YIM) you can do a three-way chat. I've done it, and it was pretty darn entertaining! :-)

Posted by: Dave Taylor at October 29, 2007 8:30 PM

I have a lot to say, but ...

I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!