Meta launches AI Mode on Facebook using public platform data
Original: Meta’s new ‘AI Mode’ on Facebook pulls from public info across its platforms
Why This Matters
Demonstrates Meta's broad AI integration strategy to boost engagement and create new revenue streams amid competitive AI race.
Meta announced Monday new AI features for Facebook including 'AI Mode,' a search tool using Meta AI to synthesize answers from public posts across Groups and Reels. The company also added video editing tools and AI-powered photo presets for styling changes.
Meta rolled out 'AI Mode' on Facebook, a new search feature that allows users to ask questions in plain language and receive synthesized answers drawn from public posts across the platform, including Groups and Reels. Instead of browsing traditional search results, users get direct answers based on public discussions. This follows Meta's quiet launch of Forum last month, a Reddit-style app with an 'Ask' tab that retrieves answers from Facebook Groups discussions. Both features raise concerns about reliability, as answers come from everyday users rather than vetted sources—a problem also noted with Google's AI Mode on Reddit. Beyond search, Facebook introduced video editing tools with collage cutouts and transition effects for montages. New AI-powered photo presets let users virtually change clothes, hairstyles, and accessories; sports fans can wear virtual team jerseys through Stories or restyle profile pictures. These updates join a series of recent AI additions: animated profile pictures launched in February, an AI Marketplace feature in March for auto-replying to buyers, and an April AI assistant for creators offering post timing suggestions and comment summaries. Meta's strategy aims to increase platform engagement and monetization through AI tools while launching subscription plans starting at $3.99 monthly with additional AI-related tiers reportedly planned.