Meta Launches 'AI Mode' on Facebook, Drawing Answers from Public Posts
Meta announced new AI features for Facebook, including an AI Mode that synthesizes answers from public posts across Groups and Reels, along with photo editing tools and more.
Meta is rolling out a series of new artificial intelligence features on Facebook, aiming to enhance how users search, create, and interact on the platform. The centerpiece is "AI Mode," a search function that uses Meta AI to generate answers pulled directly from public posts across Facebook, including content from Groups and Reels. Instead of scrolling through a list of search results, users can ask questions in plain language and receive a synthesized response based on ongoing discussions.
This launch follows last month's quiet debut of Forum, a Reddit-style app that includes an "Ask" tab, which similarly aggregates answers from Facebook Group conversations. Both features raise concerns about reliability, as the AI summarizes everyday user content rather than verified sources. This mirrors similar issues seen with Google's AI Mode on Reddit, where outdated or misleading information can slip through.
Beyond search, Facebook added new editing tools. Users can now create collage cutouts and apply transition effects to video montages. AI-powered photo presets allow users to change their appearance by virtually trying on different clothes, hairstyles, and accessories. For sports fans, the "Wear It" option in Stories lets them don their favorite team jerseys, while the "Restyle profile picture with AI" and "Wardrobe" features offer additional customization.
These updates join a string of recent AI additions on Facebook. In February, animated profile pictures were introduced; in March, AI-powered automatic replies for Marketplace; and earlier this month, an AI assistant for creators that provides personalized posting suggestions and comment summaries. Collectively, these moves reflect Meta's broader strategy to make Facebook more engaging and useful while exploring new revenue streams. The company recently launched global subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp starting at $3.99 per month, with more AI-focused subscription tiers reportedly on the way.
