Comprehensive Overview of Facebook (2026)
1. What Facebook Is (Quick Overview)
Facebook is a social networking service owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., a U.S. technology company led by Mark Zuckerberg. Meta also owns Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and other tech products. Facebook connects billions of people worldwide and remains one of the largest online social platforms. Source
2. Core Features Available Today
Social & Communication Tools
- Feed: Personalized stream of posts from friends, Pages, and groups tailored by AI and interests. Source
- Profile: Your personal hub of photos, bio, interests and updates. Source
- Friends & Messaging: Connect and chat with people via Facebook or through Messenger/WhatsApp integrations. Source
Content Creation
- Stories & Posts: Share text, photos, videos, and interactive content. Creation tools are regularly made simpler and more intuitive. Source
- Reels & Video: Short-form AI‑enhanced video content similar to TikTok. Source
Discovery & Interests
- Search Improvements: Semantic and hybrid AI search to discover posts, groups, profiles, and interests faster. Source
- Interest Matching: Facebook may suggest friends and communities based on shared hobbies or profile updates. Source
Groups & Communities
- Active user groups on every topic, with tools for admins to control content and moderate conversations. Source
Marketplace & Local
- Buy/sell items within your community. Local content and events are increasingly emphasized. Source
Creator Tools
- Professional Mode & Monetization Program: Creators can earn revenue from posts, videos, and community activity. Analytics and monetization dashboards help manage earnings. Source
3. Major Recent & Upcoming Changes (2026)
AI Expansion
- Meta AI standalone app: AI chat integrations help users search, create content, or get real‑time news summaries. Source
- AI‑generated video creation tools under the “Vibes” platform, shared across Meta apps. Source
User Experience Updates
- Redesigned feed, easier content creation interfaces, and improved navigation to cut through clutter. Source
- Like/Share buttons on third‑party sites will be removed in 2026. Source
Policy & Platform Changes
- Link‑sharing tests: Non‑subscribers may be limited in sharing external links unless subscribed under Meta Verified plans. Source
- Messenger desktop app shutdown: Desktop clients are being discontinued in favor of web-based messaging. Source
Security & Access
- Passkeys and biometric logins are rolling out for easier, more secure sign‑ins. Source
4. Who Owns Facebook & Why It Matters
5. Facebook & Meta’s Revenue Model
Advertising
- The vast majority (~98%) of Meta’s revenue comes from advertising. Source
- AI‑enhanced ad targeting increases ad relevance and conversions. Source
Subscriptions
- Meta Verified: Paid enhancements like badges, visibility boosts, and expanded privileges. Source
Commerce & Services
- Paid promotions, business profiles, and tools for creators. Source
6. Benefits of Facebook to Users
For Individuals
- Stay connected with friends and family worldwide.
- Discover communities with shared interests.
- Share personal content (photos, life events).
- Access news, events, and local activities quickly.
For Creators & Businesses
- Tools to grow audiences and earn money through content and ads. Source
- Marketplace and business messaging help brands reach customers. Source
- Analytics and monetization dashboards help optimize performance. Source
For Developers & Advertisers
7. Criticisms & Challenges
8. Why People Use (or Stop Using) Facebook
Why People Use It
- Reconnect with friends & family
- Share moments and interests
- Join groups and local communities
- Monetize content and grow audiences
Why Some Critique It
- Overly commercialized content feeds
- Ad prioritization over organic social interactions
- Spread of clickbait or low‑quality content
- Platform changes that affect user control or small publishers
