Facebook just rolled out a big update that reminds users of its early days. The social media giant launched a fresh Friends tab that only shows posts, videos, and updates from your friends. No ads, no random suggestions, just the people you care about. This change is part of Facebook’s plan to bring back the fun, personal vibe it had years ago.
The Friends tab is now available in the U.S. and Canada. It includes birthday reminders, friend requests, Reels, and stories from your friends. You can pin the tab to your home screen for quick access.
What the Friends Tab Includes
The new Friends tab is all about keeping things simple. Instead of seeing posts from strangers or brands, you will only find content shared by your friends. For example, if your best friend posts a vacation photo, it pops up here. If someone you know shares a funny Reel, it shows up too. You can also see who has a birthday coming up or check your pending friend requests.
This is a big shift from how Facebook worked recently. Over the years, the app has been filled up with group posts, shopping ads, and videos picked up by computers. Now, the Friends tab puts real connections first.
How to Use the Friends Tab
Using the Friends tab is easy. You can find it in two places. First, look for it in the navigation bar at the top of your Facebook home page. Second, check the Bookmarks section inside the app.
Here is how to pin the Friends tab
- Tap your profile picture on the Facebook home page.
- Go to Settings and Privacy, then choose Settings.
- Click the Tab Bar and pick Customize.
- Select the Friends tab to pin it.
Pinning the tab means it stays visible every time you open Facebook. No more digging through menus to find your friends’ posts.
Why Facebook Is Changing
Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said earlier this year that the app needed to feel like “OG Facebook” again. That means focusing less on viral videos and more on real friendships. The company admits it got distracted by flashy features like Groups and Marketplace. Now, it wants to fix that by reminding users why they joined Facebook in the first place to connect with friends.
This update also tries to win back younger users. Young users chose to switch from Facebook to either Instagram or TikTok rather than remaining on Facebook. By simplifying the experience, Facebook hopes to become cool again.
Will People Actually Use the Friends Tab
Some users are excited about the Friends tab. They miss the days when Facebook felt like a cozy hangout spot. Others worry it might not work. After all, people now share less on Facebook and more in private chats or stories. If your friends are not posting, the tab could feel empty.
There is another issue. Facebook recently allowed more political posts in feeds. Critics wonder if arguments or divisive content will ruin the Friends tab. Meta promises the tab will stay free of politics and recommendations. Only organic friend posts will appear.
What This Means for You
If you are tired of ads and random videos, the Friends tab could make Facebook fun again. It is a chance to see what your college roommate ate for breakfast or your cousin’s new puppy without distractions. For older users, it is a nostalgic throwback. For new users, it is a simpler way to stay in touch.
Facebook plans more updates this year to boost real connections. Whether the Friends tab succeeds depends on how many people use it. But for now, it is a step toward making social media feel personal again.
