Facebook is now providing developers with Application Program Interfaces (API) to build chatbots and Live Chat plug-ins for business clients. The tools will be announced at the company's F8 developer conference on April 12 and 13 in San Francisco and is part of the social network's goal of bringing chatbots to its Messenger instant messaging service.      

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Facebook already has a directory for marketing partners that allows businesses to find services to get help with ads and content, according to Tech Crunch. However, the social media giant does not offer a separate directory for providing its partners with help for messaging.  

Last year at F8 Facebook teased its plan to use chat to connect businesses with potential customers. Chatbots would give businesses the ability to build automated response systems to answer questions from potential clients.

In addition, Facebook is teaming up with Live Chat developers to build plug-ins for "Message Us"-like contact buttons for sites. This encourages customers to use Messenger to talk with a human support agent instead of sending an e-mail or making a call.   

Facebook users have to tap the Live Chat button on mobile devices or Messenger.com on the Internet. They can then see messages and "typing" indicators.

The world's largest social network is not charging developers a subscription for operating on the social platform. However, the company could still earn revenue from customer support for chatbots and live chat.

Facebook has a few options. It could push companies running chatbots to purchase News Feed ads that start conversations. Another option is to allow ads within Messenger, which seems to be the social network's plan.

In related news, Taco Bell is testing an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named TacoBot that helps people order tacos in the middle of a Slack conversation, according to Engadget. It gives customers the ability to ask questions about the company's menu, customize orders, and check carts while using the team collaboration platform.

The AI bot is getting private beta testing now. However, people can sign up to get on the waiting list so their cloud-based Slack team can try out TacoBot. It would give Slack teams a chance to order some beef or chicken tacos while making business plans.    

Here's an update on Microsoft's Tay chatbot: