Looking to keep up with the AI race and increase engagement with AI bots, Meta announced on Monday that it is rolling out new AI features to Facebook aimed at changing the way users find information, create content, and interact with the platform.
The headline update is in “AI mode”. This is Facebook’s new search method that uses meta AI to surface answers pulled from public posts across the platform, including Groups and Reels. Instead of scrolling through search results, users can ask questions in plain language and get comprehensive answers based on what they’re actually discussing.
This follows the Forum that Meta quietly launched last month. Forum is a Reddit-style app with its own AI “Ask” tab, where users can ask questions and get answers from discussions happening across Facebook groups.
Frequently asked questions are raised both in AI mode and in the Forum’s Questions tab. That being said, how reliable are answers generated from public posts and group chats? Since the AI is summarizing content from everyday users rather than vetted sources, there is a real risk that outdated or misleading information will be leaked, a concern that has already been raised regarding Google’s own AI mode on Reddit.
In addition to search, Facebook has also added editing tools that allow users to experiment with collage cutouts and transition effects for video montages. Another new feature is AI-powered photo presets, which allow users to change their look with different clothes, hairstyles, and accessories.
For example, sports fans can virtually wear their favorite team’s jersey by simply tapping the “AI Edit” icon in a story and selecting “Wear.” Alternatively, you can go directly to your profile photo and select Restyle Profile Photo with AI and Wardrobe.
These updates add to the list of AI features Meta has brought to Facebook in recent months. In February, the company introduced animated profile photos that bring static photos to life, adding waves or placing a virtual party hat on someone’s head. In March, Meta added an AI feature to Facebook Marketplace that automatically replies to buyers’ messages on behalf of sellers.
More recently, earlier this month, Facebook unveiled an AI assistant for creators that provides personalized suggestions, such as the best time to post and summaries of audience comments, based on a creator’s content and performance history.
Taken together, the series of releases points to a broader strategy. Meta hopes Facebook’s AI tools will make the platform more stable and useful, while also diversifying its revenue streams. Alongside the rollout of these features, the company recently launched global subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp starting at $3.99 per month with additional features, and additional AI-related subscription tiers are reportedly in the works.
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