Meta announced on Thursday that it was bringing back a feature of “OG Facebook” — a Friends tab which is designed exclusively to highlight content from a user’s friends list without additional recommended posts.
In a blog post detailing the update, Meta explained that this latest addition aligns with Facebook’s foundational mission to facilitate meaningful social interactions among friends.
Initially, the Friends tab will be available only to users in the US and Canada, but broader availability is expected in the future.
Content showcased within this dedicated tab will include personal posts, Reels, stories shared by friends, reminders of upcoming birthdays and pending friend requests.
Until now, the tab had functioned primarily as a hub to manage friend requests and suggested connections through the “People You May Know” feature.
This strategic shift follows Meta’s recent efforts to revitalize Facebook’s appeal — particularly among younger demographics who have largely gravitated toward platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Last October, Meta introduced a redesign targeting Gen Z with an emphasis on community engagement, group discussions and video-centric content.
However, the Friends tab marks a deliberate pivot back toward more intimate, friend-centric interactions.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg signaled this return to the platform’s roots earlier in January during the company’s Q4 earnings call, identifying it as a central priority for 2025.
“I think there are a lot of opportunities to make [Facebook] way more culturally influential than it is today,” Zuckerberg told investors at the time, adding, “I think some of this will kind of get back to how Facebook was originally used back in the day.”
While specific upcoming changes were not detailed at the earnings call, the Friends tab rollout represents just the first phase of what Meta says will be numerous updates throughout the year.
Acknowledging the drift away from Facebook’s original identity, Meta wrote in its blog: “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.”
Users can now access the new Friends tab via Facebook’s Home Feed navigation bar or through the Bookmarks section in the app.
Additionally, users have the option to pin the Friends tab directly to their Home Feed for ease of access by navigating to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Tab bar, where they can customize their preferences.
Meta hopes this renewed emphasis on personal connections and friendships will recapture the essence of early Facebook by strengthening user engagement and reinforcing the platform’s relevance in a crowded social media landscape.
