In a bold move to attract younger audiences, Meta has announced a significant redesign of Facebook, tailored specifically for Gen Z users. The revamp, revealed at a pop-up event in Austin, aims to shift Facebook’s focus toward entertainment and local community engagement, areas where competitors like TikTok and Instagram dominate.
Among the key updates is a new “Local” tab, centralizing community-based content such as Marketplace listings, local events, and neighborhood recommendations. Meta is betting that Gen Z’s growing interest in hyper-local and practical features, including Facebook Groups and Marketplace, will keep them engaged.
This redesign comes as Facebook’s brand has been waning among teens, with just 33% of U.S. teens using the platform compared to 71% in 2014, according to Pew Research Center. However, the company remains optimistic, highlighting that 20-somethings continue to use the platform for specific features like thrifting via Marketplace.
Meta’s latest changes also include updates to other products like Facebook Dating, Messenger, and Meta AI, as part of a larger strategy to modernize the platform for younger generations. Can Facebook reclaim its former status as a go-to platform for young people, or will TikTok and Instagram remain unbeatable? Time will tell.