Meta Introduces AI-Powered Facebook Search Using Public Content Across Its Apps

As Meta continues to strengthen its position in the AI race while encouraging greater engagement with its AI assistant, the company announced a new set of AI-powered features for Facebook on Monday,  aimed at changing how people search for information, create content, and interact with the platform.

The biggest addition is a feature called AI Mode, a new Facebook search experience powered by Meta AI that generates answers using publicly available posts from across the platform, including content shared in Groups and Reels. Rather than browsing through search results, users can ask questions in natural language and receive AI-generated responses that summarise what people are discussing across Facebook.

The launch follows Meta’s quiet debut of Forum last month, a Reddit-style application that features its own AI-powered Ask tab. That feature enables users to submit questions and receive responses generated from conversations within Facebook Groups.

Both AI Mode and the Forum’s Ask feature raise a familiar concern surrounding AI-generated search: how trustworthy are answers built from public discussions and user-generated content? Since the AI produces summaries based on posts written by everyday users rather than verified sources, there is a possibility that inaccurate, outdated, or misleading information could be included. Similar concerns have already been raised regarding Google’s AI-powered search features that summarise discussions from Reddit.

Beyond AI search, Facebook is introducing new creative editing tools that let users experiment with collage cutouts and transition effects when producing video montages. Another addition is AI-powered photo presets, enabling users to change their appearance by virtually trying different hairstyles, outfits, and accessories.

Sports enthusiasts, for example, can digitally wear their favourite team’s jersey by selecting the AI Edit option in Stories and choosing Wear It. Users can also update their profile image by selecting Restyle profile picture with AI, followed by the Wardrobe option to experiment with different looks.

These latest additions expand a growing collection of AI-powered capabilities Meta has introduced to Facebook in recent months. In February, the company launched animated profile pictures that transform static images by adding effects such as a wave or placing a virtual party hat on a person’s head. A month later, Meta rolled out an AI feature for Facebook Marketplace that automatically responds to messages from potential buyers on sellers’ behalf.

Earlier this month, Facebook introduced an AI assistant for creators that provides personalised recommendations, including suggestions on the best times to publish content and summaries of audience feedback from comment sections, based on a creator’s previous performance and posting history.

Taken together, the rapid rollout of these AI features reflects Meta’s broader strategy to make Facebook more engaging while expanding new monetisation opportunities. Alongside the recent product updates, the company has also introduced global subscription plans covering Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, starting at $3.99 per month. These subscriptions unlock additional features, while further AI-focused subscription tiers are reportedly expected to follow.