Meta brings AI mode to Facebook, changing the way users search on social media

Meta is rolling out a wave of new AI features on Facebook. This includes AI Mode, a smarter way to search, along with creative tools that let you build collages, video montages, and even virtually try on clothes.

In Short

• Meta is introducing a range of new AI features
• Among them, a new AI Mode on Facebook is the major one
• A new AI photo preset feature will let users virtually change their clothing, hairstyles, and accessories

If one good word defines the modern world, it could be “race.” We have heard about the arms race, the space race and now the artificial intelligence race. As tech behemoths around the world are busy developing their own unique AI, Meta is wasting no time making AI a central part of the Facebook experience. The social media giant has announced a fresh wave of AI-powered features for Facebook, aimed at changing the way users search for information, create content, and engage with the platform.

AI mode brings smarter search

One of the biggest announcements among all AI features is Facebook’s AI mode. It will let users search in a new way, think of it much less like a traditional search engine and more like a knowledgeable friend who has read everything on Facebook from public posts, Groups, and Reels across the platform, and once you search for anything, it can summarise it for you. So instead of scrolling endlessly to find what you are looking for, you can simply ask a question in plain language and get a synthesised answer based on what people are actually talking about.

That said, it is worth keeping in mind that since the AI is drawing from everyday public posts rather than verified sources, there is an inherent risk of outdated or inaccurate information slipping through, a concern that has already been raised about similar features elsewhere.

New creative tools to play with

Beyond search, Meta is also giving users more ways to get creative. Camera roll sharing suggestions are getting an upgrade with new collage cutout templates and transition effects that can turn your photos and videos into polished, shareable montages with minimal effort. These suggestions remain opt-in and can be switched off at any time.

There is also a fun new AI photo preset feature that lets you virtually change your clothing, hairstyle, and accessories. Sports fans in particular will enjoy the ability to digitally wear their favourite team's jersey, just tap the AI Edit icon in Stories and select Wear It, or head to your profile picture and choose Restyle profile picture with AI.

These updates could be part of a much larger push by Meta to make Facebook AI-friendly. For example, in recent months alone, the company has rolled out animated profile pictures, an AI assistant for creators, and an AI feature on Facebook Marketplace that automatically responds to buyer messages on sellers' behalf. Alongside all of this, Meta has also launched global subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. And more AI-related subscription tiers are reportedly in the pipeline.

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