Meta testing 'Local' tab, 'Explore' tab for Facebook to retain young users

Meta is testing 'Local' tab which will accumulate the regional content from sources like Marketplace, Groups, and Events in a tab
An undated image. — Pixabay
An undated image. — Pixabay

In a remarkable development to compel its younger audience, especially Gen Z and millennials, Meta has reportedly announced to pile up the list of features in the pipeline.

It's a pure Meta move to outshine rivals and position itself as a potent, comprehensive social media platform with the incorporation of a spate of new features.

The rival in question, as reported by PC Mag, is the China-owned short video platform TikTok and Google-owned YouTube which have garnered immense popularity compared to the Meta-owned social media platforms.

Read more: Google Gemini's AI video summaries endanger YouTube content creators

If comes to fruition, the inclusion of new functionalities might make some amends for the loss of nearly 40% of teen users Facebook suffered between 2014 and 2022.

Such a massive toll of shedding audience is the biggest among the user drops of any social media platform, even more than the classic, image-sharing platform Tumblr.

New Facebook features for personalised feeds

Among the upcoming features, the social media giant is testing a "Local" tab, a nascent feature which will accumulate the regional content from sources like Marketplace, Groups, and Events in a tab. 

According to the publication, the feature then begins recommending things in users' neighbourhoods, including free stuff in your area as well as recommendations for local events or venues.

Similarly, another notable new entrant being tested for Facebook is the “Explore” tab, which by harnessing Facebook’s algorithm will flood your feeds with content it will consider in line with your taste.

In the Explore tab, the personalised content recommendation will be achieved by a “variety of signals” turning your feed into the one Facebook says could include everything from “time management hacks, tips for travelling abroad for the first time, DIY tricks for repurposing furniture or running groups for marathon training."