Method of generating a contextual action bar starts with processor causing an application icon associated with an application to be displayed by a display screen of a client device. Processor receives selection of application icon from a user and determines a context of client device. Context can comprise identification of application, type associated with application, or type of interface including application icon. Processor generates action bar based on the context of the client device, causes a first portion of display screen to display an application interface associated with the application, and causes a second portion to display the action bar that is associated with a messaging system. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.