Facebook introduces a new design aimed at Generation Z.
Facebook aims to attract a larger number of young users to join its social network, instead of spending all their time on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms. To this end, the company is implementing various strategies.
Meta is looking to attract a younger audience to Facebook, rather than having these users spend their time on apps like TikTok or Instagram. To achieve this, it has announced a series of changes to the platform, focused on local community information, videos, and Facebook Groups, among other things. Other Facebook products, such as Meta AI, Facebook Dating, and Messenger, will also receive updates.
The new design of Facebook, revealed at an event in Austin, aims to enhance entertainment options, countering the popularity of apps like TikTok. Additionally, it will focus on the practical offerings that the social network provides to users at the community level. Facebook has evolved to become a key point of communication and coordination, especially in emergency situations, as seen with the recent response to disasters caused by Hurricane Helene.
With the goal of revitalizing its brand, which has been declining, Meta has shifted its focus towards the metaverse since it rebranded in 2021. A concerning fact is that Facebook’s user base has aged, and the enrollment of young users has significantly decreased, particularly in the U.S., where only 33% of teenagers used Facebook last year, compared to 71% in 2014.
Meta has observed that young adults, particularly those in their twenties, are using the platform for specific functions like Facebook Groups and Marketplace. This has led the company to implement changes to make Facebook more appealing to those looking to connect with their local community and find entertainment, rather than just focusing on interactions with friends.
One of the new features is a tab called "Local," which will concentrate local content from Marketplace, Groups, and Events in one section. Here, users will be able to discover nearby activities, local groups offering items for sale or for free, and recommendations for new places in the neighborhood. This feature will be tested in selected U.S. cities.
Additionally, there will be a new swipeable section in the Facebook Feed that will present posts and information from the local community, including nearby events, relevant Facebook Groups, and posts of interest. On the other hand, an "Explore" tab will be introduced, offering personalized recommendations through an algorithm, making it easier for users to access content that connects them with their interests.
The entertainment aspect will also be modernized with a full-screen video player, where users can enjoy short, long, and live videos in one place. It has been reported that young adults spend nearly 60% of their time on Facebook watching videos, with a large portion dedicated to Reels.
Facebook will also update its Events section, providing weekly and weekend summaries with events based on interests. Inviting Instagram followers and contacts without a Facebook account will be allowed.
As part of the changes, an AI feature is being introduced in Groups that will help members find answers to frequently asked questions. This tool will be activated by Group admins, offering a chat-like interface where inquiries can be made.
Finally, the Facebook Dating feature will add a resource for friends to help choose potential partners, recognizing an increase in dating conversations among young adults. Meta hopes that all these updates will make Facebook more appealing to the next generation of users, who engage with the platform in a different way.
