Meta launches Forum, its new Reddit-like app
▼ Summary
– Meta has quietly released “Forum,” a new standalone app for Facebook Groups that positions itself as a Reddit-like platform for deeper discussions.
– The app loads user groups, profile, and activity after signing in with a Facebook account, and posts made on Forum are also visible in Facebook groups.
– Forum features an AI-powered “Ask” tab that compiles answers from group discussions, and an admin AI assistant for group management and moderation.
– This is Meta’s second attempt at a standalone Groups app, following a previous version launched in 2014 that was shut down in 2017.
– Forum is part of Meta’s broader push to release more apps, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg discussing the possibility of building up to 50 new apps.
Meta has quietly introduced a new standalone application called Forum, designed specifically for Facebook Groups and modeled after platforms like Reddit. The company describes Forum as a “dedicated space built for deeper discussions, real answers and communities you care about.”
Social media consultant Matt Navarra first spotted the app. Upon logging in with a Facebook account, Forum automatically loads a user’s groups, profile, and activity. Users can post using a nickname, just as they can on the main Facebook app. Meta emphasizes that groups remain on Facebook, and any content shared on Forum will also appear in those groups on the main platform.
Forum’s feeds prioritize conversations within groups, allowing users to see “what real people are saying, not just what’s trending,” and making it simple to resume discussions where they left off. A key feature is the AI-powered “Ask” tab, which lets users pose questions and receive answers compiled from discussions across multiple groups. Additionally, an admin AI assistant helps group administrators manage and moderate content.
This is not Meta’s first attempt at a standalone groups app. In 2014, the company launched a dedicated Groups app aimed at simplifying content sharing across groups, but it was discontinued in 2017.
Forum is one of two new apps from Meta in recent weeks. Last month, the company released Instants, an app that allows users to share disappearing photos with Instagram friends. Both apps arrive as part of a broader push by Meta to release more applications. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that AI-driven efficiencies now enable the company to build more apps, and Meta aims to roll out many more than in the past.
Zuckerberg reportedly told Chief Product Officer Chris Cox, “So Chris and I have been talking about ‘all right, well can we build 50 new apps?’ Like, yeah probably. But we probably should start by doing a few before we just, like, ramp up trying to do 50 all at once.”
While Meta may believe consumers want more apps, that assumption seems questionable, especially when its new offerings often replicate popular services. Instants borrows ideas from BeReal and Snapchat, while Meta Edits, launched last year, is largely a copy of ByteDance’s CapCut.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Source: TechCrunch)
