Photo to sharing service, Instagram is reportedly eyeing exclusive @instagram.com email address to boost its rumoured messaging feature.

Techcrunch reports that it recently discovered email addresses that had @Instagram.com at the end. The e-mail ids were found during database population by an e-commerce company about the social networking sites. If Instagram decides to integrate native email addresses, the process of sending emails or messages directly to users will become more seamless and integrated to the bigger platform. So far, Instagram hasnt commented on the reports.

Instagrams new e-mail service/feature could be similar to Facebooks revamped messaging systemlaunched in 2010. Facebook then added the option create @facebook.com email ids. The email ids automatically sync up with Facebooks messaging platform, that collates messages sent to you by SMS or through Facebook app.

According to reports, Instagram is planning to take on popular messaging service Snapchat by adding IM to its platform. The app may launch as a private instant messaging feature for its users soon. The feature is expected to be integrated into an update, which will be rolled out before the end of the year. The site may also enable group messaging feature. Instagram has over 150 million users world wide and the new features will further enhance the popularity of the app.

Having self-branded email addresses is expected to make Instagrams speculated messaging service better with standalone apps like Instachat, InstaMessage and InstaDM.