Meta redesigns Facebook, gives it a Gen-Z makeover with new look, more visibility to Reels

Facebook

Social media platform Facebook is getting an all-new look as Meta is refreshing its design and interface. In a blog post, Meta said that these features that help young adults – and all Facebook users – explore their interests and connect with the world beyond their close friends. “Whatever you’re into, there are people on Facebook who can help you find and do more of it. We want to make it easy for you to discover the content and people you care about, because that’s exactly the kind of social discovery that Facebook is built for,” said Meta.

A new Local feature

Meta is bringing together the best local content from across Facebook – from places like Marketplace, Groups and Events – into a single tab called Local. Whether it’s nearby activities, local groups offering free stuff or recommendations about neighborhood hot spots, users will find it all in the new Local tab. Local is currently testing in Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco and Phoenix.

Meta is also introducing a Weekly and Weekend Digest for Events, a compilation of upcoming event recommendations in your area based on your interests, delivered each week via a notification on Facebook.

Also new is a swipeable section in Feed that surfaces the best content across Facebook. This section will show users local events, interesting groups, people, businesses, stuff for sale. This, as per Meta, will “help you connect with more people and discover info to help you take the next step with your new community.”

Explore, video tab and more

Meta is also testing a new Explore tab, which is designed to show you content that doesn’t just entertain, but helps you dive deeper into your interests, get inspired by real people and expert communities and take the next step. “It’s unique to each person’s interests, and we use a wide variety of signals to power our algorithm so that your content will reflect the things you’re into,” said Meta.

Facebook will also get an updated, full-screen Video tab that gives Reels more prominence. “This will give you a full-screen video player that allows you to seamlessly watch the best short-form, long-form and live videos in a single experience, powered by our turbo-charged recommendations technology,” said Meta.

According to Meta, young adults on Facebook spend almost 60% of their time on the app watching videos, and more than half of young adults watch Reels daily. “We want to make sure we’re creating a video experience that helps them get valuable tips, advice and recommendations,” said Meta.