Ads in Facebook Messenger? It could happen.

When it comes to advertising, many consumers like to feel like they’re dealing with brands on a one-on-one level.

Well, it doesn’t get more one-on-one than using Facebook’s Messenger service.

The social media giant is reportedly close to launching the ability to advertise using Messenger, where businesses will be able to send ad messages to those who have previously started chats with that company.

That’s according to the tech news site TechCrunch, which acquired a leaked Facebook document on the subject, although Facebook has yet to comment specifically on ads within its Messenger service.

However, earlier this week at an event hosted by competing tech site VentureBeat, Facebook vice president of measurement and insights Brad Smallwood said Facebook’s effort to monetize Messenger won’t look like what people normally think of as advertising.

Smallwood was vague, but said, “It will fit with the consumer experience, of what their expectations are.”

The ability to advertise on Messenger would give brands a huge built-in audience. The service has around 800 million monthly active users, according to Facebook.

In recent months the Messenger service has added features beyond just chatting back and forth, including the ability to send and receive money between contacts.

Tags: advertising facebook messenger, facebook, facebook messenger, facebook messenger advertising, social media, social media ads