Meta redesigns Facebook app, adds new Local, Explore tab to the mix

Facebook app update: Meta is making major changes to its Facebook app. The company at its Facebook IRL event in Austin, US, announced that it is adding two new tabs, Local and Explore, to the Facebook app. It is also adding new features to the Facebook Groups. Meta says that these changes are aimed at making it easier for users to explore their interests and connect with people in their neighbourhood.

As Meta starts rolling out the new features to its Facebook, take a look at what has changed in the app.

What is changing in the Facebook app?

New Local Tab

As of now, the Facebook app has a total of six tabs, which includes Home, Video, Friends, Marketplace, Notifications and Menu. At its event in Austin, the company announced that it is changing this order. In the updated Facebook app, Local tab will replace the Marketplace tab. This tab will pull together content from across Facebook, which includes Marketplace, Groups and Events, and curate them in a single place.

"Whether it’s nearby activities, local groups offering free stuff or recommendations about neighborhood hot spots, you’ll find it all in the new Local tab," the company wrote in a blog post.

Local tab is being tested in select cities in the US, which includes Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco and Phoenix.

New Explore Tab

Meta is also adding a new Explore tab to the Facebook app. This tab will show content that is tailored to an individual user's needs. " It’s unique to each person’s interests, and we use a wide variety of signals to power our algorithm so that your content will reflect the things you’re into," the company added.

Updated Video Tab

Meta is also updating its Video tab to bring Reels or vertical video to the front and centres of the video feed. Meta says that the updated Video Tab will give users a full-screen video player that will enable them to watch short-form, long-form and live videos in a single space.

Group AI

Lastly, Meta is also testing customisable Group AI in Facebook groups. When enabled by the group admin, the Group AI will answer questions and share links to the relevant group posts.