It seems like every social media platform is borrowing ideas from one another, leading to a landscape of similar features across the board. Facebook is no exception; it frequently monitors other platforms to integrate popular features into its own service. Recently, the company shared an extensive blog post outlining several new features set to debut on Facebook, some of which might seem quite familiar.
Facebook Introduces an Explore Tab
As shared in the Meta Newsroom, Facebook has announced new features coming our way. One of the standout additions is the “Explore” tab, which may ring a bell:
The Explore feature aims to present users with content that not only entertains but also encourages deeper exploration of their interests, inspires them through real-life examples, and connects them with expert communities. This feature will be tailored to individual users, utilizing various signals to ensure the content aligns with their preferences.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Facebook leverages its wealth of user data to develop its version of TikTok’s For You Page. However, considering TikTok allows considerable customization of its FYP, Facebook might need to introduce a few more features to the Explore tab to truly engage users.
In a similar vein, Facebook is rolling out a new way to view Reels—users will now be able to enjoy a continuous, full-screen stream of videos that employs recommendation technology to identify what they might want to watch next. As noted by Facebook, “Young adults on Facebook spend nearly 60% of their time on the app watching videos,” indicating this change could resonate well with those who love scrolling through Reels.
Additionally, Facebook is launching a “Local” tab that aggregates nearby events and meetups. Currently, this feature is limited to select cities, including Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, and Phoenix. It holds promise as a way for users to discover local happenings.
Facebook Enhances People Management Features
Beyond new feeds, Facebook has introduced several useful tools for managing people on the platform. Users can now invite others to events via SMS or email, allowing them to respond without needing a Facebook account. Additionally, event organizers can send invitations to their Instagram followers for larger events.
Furthermore, Facebook is simplifying the process of joining Groups. Group admins can now set up a tool called “Group AI,” designed to handle frequently asked questions and provide essential group information. This way, if you have a question about the group but hesitate to contact the admin, you can simply ask the bot instead. Currently, this feature is only available in the U.S. and Canada, but given the advantages of Facebook Groups, it may roll out globally soon.
