Facebook pivots to video-first design to stem user attrition

This experimental rollout targets regions with high video engagement, with a potential US expansion slated for next year. The move reflects a broader existential anxiety within Meta, as the company struggles to maintain relevance among younger demographics. While Facebook remains the world’s most popular social network, it faces mounting pressure from YouTube and TikTok, the latter of which reached 1 billion monthly users at a record-breaking pace. Internal data confirms the urgency: Meta’s platforms collectively shed 20 million users in the first quarter of 2026.

Beyond the video overhaul, the platform is fragmenting its utility into specialized tools. The company recently launched Seller, a standalone app for Marketplace merchants, and Forum, which carves out a dedicated space for Group interactions. Simultaneously, Facebook is adjusting its verification standards. After previously tying blue badges to the $11.99 monthly Meta Verified subscription, the company is introducing a free tier accessible via a selfie-based identity check, aiming to bolster trust in a landscape increasingly cluttered with automated profiles.