In an effort to bring back the essence of its original mission, Facebook has introduced a redesigned Friends tab, offering users a more straightforward way to connect with their personal network. This update marks a significant step in the platform’s broader vision of returning to what made Facebook a global social networking giant in the first place: fostering genuine connections among friends.
A Dedicated Space for Friends, Free from Distractions
The new Friends tab will exclusively display updates from a user’s friends—no algorithmically recommended content, no suggested posts from strangers, and no sponsored material. Instead, users will find a streamlined experience where they can easily keep up with their friends’ posts, Reels, Stories, birthdays, and friend requests, all in one place.
Previously, the Friends tab was limited to managing friend requests and browsing the “People You May Know” feature. Now, it serves as a hub for strengthening relationships, reflecting Facebook’s renewed emphasis on personal connections over content consumption.
Rolling Out in the U.S. and Canada
Initially, the revamped Friends tab is launching in the United States and Canada. Facebook has yet to announce a timeline for its global rollout, but given the significance of this update, it’s likely to expand to more regions in the coming months.
A Response to Changing Social Media Trends
This move comes at a time when younger users have gravitated toward other social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. In response, Facebook has been undergoing a transformation to remain relevant and appealing to its diverse user base. Just last October, the company rolled out a Gen Z-focused redesign, introducing features aimed at fostering engagement within communities, Facebook Groups, and video content.
However, in January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that a return to “OG Facebook” was one of his primary goals for 2025. During the company’s Q4 earnings call, he highlighted the potential for Facebook to reclaim its cultural influence by realigning with its original purpose.
“I think there are a lot of opportunities to make [Facebook] way more culturally influential than it is today,” Zuckerberg told investors. “Some of this will kind of get back to how Facebook was originally used back in the day.”
Rekindling the ‘Magic of Friends’
In a blog post announcing the update, Meta acknowledged that while Facebook has evolved over the years—expanding into areas like Groups, Video, and Marketplace—the core essence of friendship had taken a backseat.
“Over the years, Facebook evolved to meet changing needs and created best-in-class experiences across Groups, Video, Marketplace, and more, but the magic of friends has fallen away,” the company stated.
By launching the new Friends tab, Meta aims to reignite that magic, making it easier than ever for users to engage with their personal circles rather than being inundated with content from outside sources.
Easy Access and Customization
The Friends tab is conveniently accessible via Facebook’s main navigation bar and can also be found in the Bookmarks section of the app. For those who want even quicker access, users can pin the tab directly to their Home Feed.
To pin the Friends tab:
- Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Tab Bar
- Customize your tab bar
- Select and pin the Friends tab for easy access
More ‘OG Facebook’ Updates on the Horizon
The introduction of the Friends tab is just the beginning of Facebook’s renewed commitment to personal connections. While Meta has not yet disclosed the full scope of its plans, this update signals a shift toward a more user-centered experience, reminiscent of the platform’s early days.
As Facebook continues rolling out updates throughout the year, users can expect more features designed to enhance personal interactions and community engagement. Whether this approach will successfully bring back the platform’s former vibrancy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Facebook is on a mission to recapture its roots and remind users why they joined in the first place.
