Facebook is completely changing its algorithm
Facebook’s new system prioritizes the newest and most relevant content, while artificial intelligence further personalizes recommendations and search results, so that users spend more time on the platform.
Facebook has announced changes to its algorithm that will show users significantly more short videos (Reels) that are truly relevant to them. The goal is to show each user the content that interests them most, so that they spend more time on the platform and, of course, show them as many ads as possible.
Facebook will now prioritize the newest content, showing users up to 50% more Reels videos posted that day. In addition, Mark Zuckerberg’s company says it wants to “return to its roots” and reconnect people with friends and family. Users saw a similar effort a few years ago, but over time the focus has shifted back to viral content.
Green light for AI-powered clips
The algorithm changes didn’t happen by chance. Facebook conducted internal tests that showed that users want to watch more new videos. When they’re shown such content, people open the app more often and spend more time on the platform.
The company adds that video has been one of the most popular formats on Facebook for years, and that time spent watching this type of content is growing by about 20% every year.
Interestingly, the algorithm won’t differentiate between real videos and AI-powered ones. So if Facebook knows that you like clips made with tools like Sora or Midjourney, you’ll get more of that content. On the other hand, if you prefer videos from your friends – the algorithm will follow suit.
As Facebook’s Jadjit Chawla explained to CNET, it all comes down to the signals a user sends to the algorithm. If you like, comment on, and share certain posts, you’ll see more of them. If you mark them as “not interested,” you’ll see fewer and fewer.
Additionally, Facebook is introducing search recommendations powered by artificial intelligence (AI). AI will suggest search terms to users based on topics and content they’ve previously shown interest in.