Meta Revives Facebook's Classic "Poke" Feature for a New Generation
Key Points
- Meta adds the poke feature back to user profiles in the Facebook app.
- A dedicated page (facebook.com/pokes) tracks all poke interactions.
- Emoji indicators change based on the number of pokes exchanged.
- The poke saw a recent surge after being highlighted in the search bar.
- Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes bringing back "OG" Facebook experiences.
- The revival targets younger adults familiar with streak-like features.
- Poking remains a simple, nostalgic way to interact on the platform.
Meta is bringing back Facebook's original "poke" feature, adding it to user, making it easier to find on profiles and creating a dedicated page to track poke activity. The move includes emoji indicators that change with the number of pokes exchanged. The company says the feature, once a novelty in the early days of Facebook, has seen a resurgence after being highlighted in the search bar, and it fits Meta's broader effort to reintroduce "OG" Facebook experiences and attract younger users.
Background
When Facebook first launched, the "poke" was one of the few ways users could interact with friends beyond commenting on profiles. It was a simple, often playful signal that could be perceived as either flirty or quirky. Over the years, the feature faded from prominence as the platform added richer ways to engage, but it never fully disappeared.
Recent Changes
Meta has announced that the poke is returning to a more visible spot on user profiles within the Facebook app. A new page at facebook.com/pokes allows users to view all poke activity between themselves and friends. The redesign also introduces an emoji system that changes based on how many pokes have been exchanged, adding a visual cues similar to other social media streak features.
The company highlighted that the poke experienced a notable increase in usage after it was surfaced in the Facebook search bar, prompting Meta to consider further promotion. By placing the feature directly on profiles, Meta aims to make it easier for both longtime members and newcomers to discover and use.
Strategic Intent
Meta’s leadership, including Mark Zuckerberg, has expressed interest in reviving "OG" Facebook functionalities, such as tools that let users find content posted by actual friends. The poke revival aligns with a broader strategy to win over younger adults who are accustomed to engagement mechanics like streaks on other platforms. By reintroducing a nostalgic yet simple interaction, Meta hopes to boost user engagement and differentiate its experience from competitors.
Overall, the move reflects Meta’s ongoing shift from its early social networking roots toward newer priorities, while still preserving elements that resonate with its original community.