Facebook Unveils New Features for Young Adults: Local Tab, Explore, Full-Screen Video, Messenger Communities, and More
Facebook / Facebook IRL
Facebook revealed a number of updates during its Facebook IRL event in Austin. Here’s a rundown of the standouts:
Local Tab
Facebook / Local Tab
Facebook is testing a Local tab that will aggregate localized content across Facebook surfaces, including Marketplace, Groups, and Events. This feature is currently being tested in cities like Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
In addition, Facebook is adding a Weekly and Weekend Digest for Events. Users will receive notifications that compile recommended upcoming events in their area.
Explore Tab
Facebook is also testing an Explore tab that curates content based on user interests, serving content from creators, groups, and various sources. Content will range from entertainment to more educational content that users can take action on such as DIY project, travel tips or finding running groups to join.
Single Video Tab
Facebook / Single Video Tab
In the coming weeks, Facebook will roll out an updated, full-screen Video tab for Reels, combining short-form, long-form, and live videos into a single experience. According to Facebook, younger adults spend 60 percent of their time on Facebook engaging with video content.
Events
Facebook / Events
A new feature allows users to invite their Instagram followers to events created on Facebook, with SMS and email options for sending invites.
Messenger Communities
Facebook / Messenger Communities
Facebook also introduced Messenger Communities, designed for small to medium-sized groups to connect around shared interests. Users can create topic-based chats without needing a Facebook Group, inviting friends directly or sharing a QR code.
Creator Monetization
In addition to the new Facebook Monetization Program, Facebook plans to expand monetization options to Stories in the coming months.
Other updates integrating Meta AI include Matchmaker for Facebook Dating, Memories on Messenger, and additional Meta integrations.
Why It Matters: Facebook is focusing on young adult users with its latest updates, incorporating features designed to engage Gen Z. The Local tab and full-screen Video tab enhance content discovery, allowing users to easily find relevant activities and content that align with their interests in more centralized experiences.
Updates to Events and Messenger Communities further facilitate connections, both digitally and in real life. By enabling users to invite their Instagram followers to events and offering SMS/email notifications, Facebook creates opportunities for users to engage across shared interests within their communities online and off-line.
With Gen Z being one of the most digitally active demographics, it’s important for platforms like Facebook to create experiences that resonate with them.
While Facebook has matured over the years, certain features—such as Facebook Groups, Marketplace and video—are popular among those in their twenties. By building upon these and adding more capabilities, Facebook can attract more users from this demographic, from everyday users to creators.
