The company has been busy with the 'metaverse' for years. But after cutting costs and waning interest, they are turning to a new direction. Facebook is still an app in the hands of countless people around the world. Although user growth has stalled in some markets, including the United States.
The number of young users on Facebook is decreasing. So the company is thinking in a new way to retain Gen-Z users. A few months ago, an attempt to launch a college-focused feature failed. Now, attention has been drawn to Facebook Marketplace.
Marketplace is now quite popular. It is used by more than half of Gen Z users in the United States. Marketplace usage is also growing among young daily active users. Despite its popularity, the feature has been hidden away in the app's 'More' menu until now.
This location is changing in the new update. The Marketplace will soon appear in the navigation bar at the bottom of the app, alongside Reels and Friends options.
Reels and messaging are the most popular features on Instagram. This model is being used to strengthen the friend-centric experience on Facebook. The profile tab will remain in its original place. Users will be able to customize it as they wish.
The photo viewing experience is also changing. You can like a photo by double-tapping it, very Instagram-style. The photos will be arranged in a kind of grid. Clicking will open it in full screen.
Search is also changing. A more interactive grid design is being added. A full-screen viewer is coming for viewing images and videos. This will allow you to see content more deeply without losing search results.
Creating stories or regular posts will be easier. Adding music, tagging friends—these tools will be brought to the fore. Settings are also being simplified. Options for audience selection and cross-posting will be more clearly visible.
New features are also being added to the comments section. Replies will be easier. Badges will be more visible. Pinning tools are being added. Moderation tools have been improved for creators and group admins. Anyone can report annoying comments anonymously.
Users will be able to provide a reason for not liking a post in the feed, making the feed more personalized.
After a long time, Facebook is once again adding a friendship-based feature. You can add interests, hobbies, travel information, and more to your profile. What you watch, what you listen to, where you want to go—the goal is to increase your connection with friends who match your interests.
Previously, these changes would automatically appear in the feed. Now, users can turn them off if they want. The company hopes this will reduce annoyance.
Overall, Facebook is revamping the experience. The changes will roll out globally over the next few weeks. Some changes to navigation, search, and comments will be limited to the mobile version.
