Avito is developing an internal messenger integrated directly into its existing application. The project is currently in the testing phase with company employees, and a public trial in selected regions is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
The new service will allow users to exchange text messages, share media files, and manage chats with features like search, pinning, and blocking. It will support communication with both Avito users and contacts from the user's phone book, requiring a separate profile linked to a Russian phone number.
The messenger will be available in the Avito mobile app and the mobile version of the website. A desktop version is planned only if the initial pilot proves successful. The service will be free, as the company intends to monetize it by increasing user engagement and transaction frequency.
The development comes as Russia faces a reduction in available communication tools due to the blocking of several foreign services. Industry experts suggest that while the messenger serves as a tool to retain the platform's audience, it is unlikely to replace primary communication apps for most users.
