On the 27th (local time), Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms (Meta) announced that it will launch the 'Friends Tap' feature, which allows users to see their friends' updates at a glance.
The new 'Friends Tap' is a dedicated space where users can view posts only from their selected friends. Users can check friends' posts, short video reels, stories, and birthday updates.
In the past, friends' posts were mixed with recommended posts generated by algorithms and advertisements, among other content. However, the updated 'Friends Tap' will only display friends' content.
Meta introduced this new tab to enhance the 'consolidation' function, which was Facebook's original goal of connecting with friends, and explained that it will first be available in the United States and Canada.
Meta also noted, 'Facebook has evolved various features such as groups, videos, and marketplace over the years to meet changing demands, but the core element of “consolidation” has faded.'
The new feature is the first update since Meta declared its return to 'Original Facebook' (OG Facebook).
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during a conference call following the earnings announcement in January that he plans to focus on returning to 'Original Facebook' over the course of this year, noting, 'Significant time will be allocated, and changes will begin within six months.'