Facebook Revamps the Friends Tab to Restore its Classic Experience

After hinting at a return to “OG Facebook” earlier this year, the social network announced a new update on Thursday aimed at simplifying how users connect with friends. The new Facebook Friends tab will display only updates from friends, free of recommended content.

In a blog post, Meta stated that the update aligns with Facebook’s original mission—connecting people through a social networking experience.

Expanded Friends Tab Launches in U.S. and Canada with Enhanced Features

Initially rolling out in the U.S. and Canada, the tab will feature posts, Reels, stories, birthdays, and friend requests from friends. Previously, it only displayed friend requests and “People You May Know” suggestions.

Facebook Revamps Main Platform to Reconnect with Gen Z Users

In October, the company introduced a Gen Z-focused redesign of its main social network, aiming to attract younger users who have largely shifted to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. That update emphasized community engagement, Facebook Groups, and video content.

However, in January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined a “return to OG Facebook” as a key goal for 2025 during the company’s Q4 earnings call.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities to make [Facebook] way more culturally influential than it is today,” he told investors, adding that some changes would reflect how Facebook was originally used.

While he didn’t specify what updates were coming, the new Friends tab is the first of several planned for this year.

In a blog post, the company acknowledged the need to refocus on its core purpose.

Facebook Aims to Restore the “Magic of Friends” in Latest Update

“Over the years, Facebook evolved to meet changing needs and introduced top-tier experiences across Groups, Video, Marketplace, and more, but the magic of friends has faded,” the post reads.

The new Friends tab is accessible via the navigation bar on Facebook’s Home Feed and can also be found in the app’s Bookmarks section.

Users can pin the Friends tab to their Home Feed for quick access by going to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Tab bar, then customizing and pinning the tab.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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