Today, during our Facebook IRL event in Austin, we unveiled a series of innovative developments aimed at enhancing the Facebook and Messenger experience for users, particularly young adults. Our focus is on fostering connections that extend beyond immediate circles, allowing users to explore their interests and engage with a broader community. We believe that whatever your passion, there are like-minded individuals on Facebook ready to help you dive deeper into it, making social discovery a core part of our platform.
Messenger continues to be a leader in personal communication, providing users with a secure and expressive way to connect. Whether sharing a captivating Reel, messaging Marketplace sellers, or engaging with friends’ Stories, Messenger is designed to facilitate meaningful interactions. With a commitment to privacy and reliability, we are introducing features that not only enhance communication but also spark enjoyable conversations.
Get to Know What’s Local
Recognizing the importance of local connections, we are investing in features that simplify community engagement. We are currently testing a new Local tab that aggregates the best local content from Marketplace, Groups, and Events into a single, user-friendly interface. This tab will showcase nearby activities, local groups offering resources, and recommendations for neighborhood hotspots, initially available in cities such as Austin, New York City, and Los Angeles.
Additionally, we are rolling out a Weekly and Weekend Digest for Events, delivering personalized event recommendations based on user interests directly to their notifications. A new swipeable section in the Feed will also highlight local events, groups, and businesses, making it easier for users to integrate into their new communities.
Explore and Take the Next Step
Beyond local engagement, we are introducing an Explore tab, tailored to individual interests. This feature aims to present content that not only entertains but also inspires users to delve deeper into their hobbies and passions. From time management tips to DIY projects, the Explore tab will curate a unique experience for each user, powered by a sophisticated algorithm that reflects their interests.
A Single Seamless Video Tab
To enhance the video-watching experience, we are launching an updated full-screen Video tab that will prominently feature Reels alongside other video formats. This new interface will allow users to enjoy a seamless viewing experience, combining short-form, long-form, and live videos, all supported by advanced recommendation technology. Given that young adults spend a significant portion of their time on Facebook watching videos, this upgrade aims to provide valuable insights and entertainment.
SMS, Email and Instagram Invites for Events
In a bid to streamline event organization, we have introduced a feature that enables users to invite their Instagram followers to Facebook events. This functionality extends to SMS and email invitations, allowing anyone to RSVP, regardless of their Facebook membership.
Find the Group and Information You’re Looking For
With nearly 1.8 billion monthly users engaging in Facebook Groups, we are testing a customizable Group AI to assist members in finding answers to frequently asked questions. This AI feature will enable group members to interact with a chatbot that can provide relevant information and link to pertinent posts, enhancing the overall group experience.
Matchmaker for Facebook Dating
In the realm of online dating, we are excited to introduce Matchmaker, a new feature within Facebook Dating that allows users to invite friends to assist in finding potential matches. This collaborative approach aims to make the dating experience more enjoyable and engaging for users.
AI Upgrades to Help Answer Your Questions
To further enrich user interactions, we are integrating Meta AI into various features, such as Imagine Yourself, which will be accessible in Feed and Stories composers. This enhancement aims to foster creativity and facilitate content sharing among friends and communities.
Notes Updates and Memories on Messenger
We have also expanded the functionality of Notes in Messenger, allowing users to share their feelings and updates more expressively. New features, including music and mentions, will soon be available, and we are testing a similar format on Facebook. Additionally, Memories will allow users to revisit and share past moments from their Messenger chats.
Create Communities in Messenger
Today, we are launching Messenger Communities, a feature designed for small to medium-sized groups to connect over shared interests. Users can create topic-based chats to facilitate discussions within a larger community, making it easier to manage and moderate conversations without the need for a Facebook Group. This feature has already proven popular among college students looking to connect and share information about campus life.
Enhancing our Support for Creators
In our ongoing efforts to support creators, we recently announced a new monetization program that broadens opportunities for earning from diverse content formats. We are also exploring the expansion of monetization options for Stories in the near future. Our goal remains to bring users closer to the people and interests that matter most to them, and we are confident that these new features will strengthen community bonds across the platform.
