Facebook introduced end-to-end encryption to Messenger voice and video chats last year and since then, it is actively working on improving that chat experience. The team has now announced a new set of features that will bring the encrypted chat experience to the same level as it was prior to the encryption addition.

Chat themes are finally coming to end-to-end encrypted Messenger chats. It is now possible for users to choose their preferred theme while chatting with an extra layer of security. You can choose between static colors and gradient themes. It is also possible to send chat reactions along with a customizable quick reaction tray.

One interesting feature is the ability to set group profile photos for different chats. It means you now have one group profile photo for chats with colleagues and another for chats with your friends. The team has added link previews to encrypted chats which will give you an idea of what the web page is about before you click and visit it.

It is now possible to set your active status for encrypted chats. This will allow others to see if you are currently active or away from Messenger. The good thing is you can keep your active status private as well. You can now make use of encrypted chats through chat bubbles so that you can keep conversing even when you are using some other app. All these changes have started to rollout and should reach you anytime soon.