Innovation
Meta expands Facebook AI features with new search experience
Meta is introducing Meta AI Mode on Facebook, allowing users to receive AI-generated answers based on publicly available content shared across the platform. The feature draws information from Groups, Reels, Marketplace listings and other public posts. The rollout starts in the United States and arrives as Meta expands artificial intelligence initiatives while reporting US$56.3 billion in first-quarter 2026 revenue.
Meta has rolled out a new AI powered search experience on its platform that synthesises an answer based on information from Facebook posts, Groups, Reels, and Marketplace, it said. It's part of Meta's overall integration of artificial intelligence across its social media applications, and it is initially launching in the United States.
The move, which was first reported by TechCrunch, allows users to enter plain language queries into Facebook search and receive directly generated answers based on publicly shared information from the community, rather than traditional search results and links.
Facebook Shifts Search Approach
Users interact with Meta AI Mode by typing their questions into the natural language search interface and receiving AI-generated summaries derived from discussions and posts shared publicly across Facebook, and can ask follow-up questions to fine-tune answers.
Meta states that the system uses public content across its properties, and as a result provides answers based on information gathered from public conversations, shared opinions, and common recommendations on Facebook. The launch takes Meta's use of artificial intelligence in its apps from recommendation algorithms and creator tools into the realm of search.
Facebook continues to be one of the world's largest social platforms. In its Q1 2026 financial report, Meta stated that more than 3.4 billion people utilised one or more of its apps each day during that quarter alone, a vast well of public content which can be accessed for the new search feature.
Tech Firms Pour Funds into AI Search
The announcement comes as various technology companies try to gain a competitive edge and rewrite the traditional online search paradigm with artificial intelligence. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have developed and launched their own AI-powered search and chat features in the past two years.
With Meta's Q1 2026 revenue at $56.3 billion – a 16% increase from one year prior – the company has announced a continued massive investment in AI-driven infrastructure and data centers and has made it a top investment priority across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
There have been no announcements yet on potential release dates for Australia, Europe, Canada, or any other international markets.
Source: TechCrunch
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