Facebook’s New Look: The TikTok Transformation
▼ Summary
– Meta has upgraded its recommendations engine to learn user interests faster and show more relevant Reels content on Facebook.
– The company is focusing on making Facebook relevant again by improving its video experience to compete with apps like TikTok.
– Facebook now displays 50% more Reels from creators published the same day to provide more recent video content.
– A new “friend bubbles” feature shows if a friend has liked a Reel and allows users to start a private chat about the video.
– Meta’s ranking improvements have increased time spent on videos by over 20% year-over-year, and all Facebook videos are now Reels with no length restrictions.
Facebook is undergoing a significant transformation, with its latest updates heavily inspired by the short-form video format popularized by TikTok. The social media giant, under its parent company Meta, has enhanced its recommendations engine to identify user interests faster and deliver more relevant Reels content. This strategic shift is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the platform, aligning with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s stated goal of returning to Facebook’s original appeal while simultaneously challenging competitors in the video space.
One notable change involves the prioritization of fresh content. Facebook now surfaces 50 percent more Reels from creators published the same day you are watching, ensuring users encounter the latest viral videos. This focus on recency aims to keep the feed dynamic and engaging, mirroring the real-time nature of rival platforms.
Another social feature introduced is “friend bubbles,” which appear in the bottom left corner of a video. These small icons indicate when a friend has already liked a Reel, providing immediate social context. Tapping on a friend bubble opens a private chat, making it simple to discuss the video directly. Meta emphasizes that integrating friend interactions remains a core part of the Facebook identity, and features like bubbles are designed to strengthen those community connections.
The push to improve content discovery appears to be paying off. According to the company’s recent earnings report, time spent watching videos on Facebook has increased by more than 20 percent compared to the previous year. This growth follows June’s announcement that all Facebook videos would be converted into Reels, with previous length restrictions removed. By unifying its video format and lifting constraints, Meta aims to create a more fluid and expansive viewing experience, encouraging both creators and viewers to engage more deeply with video content across the platform.
(Source: The Verge)
