MUMBAI: The social search bar is getting a brain upgrade. Meta has begun rolling out an AI-powered search experience on Facebook, turning the platform’s search box into a conversational assistant that can answer questions using publicly shared content from across its social ecosystem.
Called AI Mode, the new feature appears alongside familiar Facebook search categories such as People and Marketplace. But instead of serving up a conventional list of links and posts, it generates AI-crafted answers drawn from public discussions, Groups, Reels and other user-generated content across Meta’s platforms.
The move signals Meta’s latest attempt to transform search from a destination for information into a destination for conversation.
According to reports, users can ask follow-up questions after receiving an initial response, allowing them to refine searches and explore topics in a more interactive manner. The experience mirrors the growing trend of AI-assisted search, where answers increasingly replace traditional link-based results.
Meta said AI Mode is powered by its Muse Spark AI model and is designed to surface insights, recommendations and perspectives grounded in what people are publicly sharing across its apps. Rather than directing users away from Facebook, the feature keeps discovery within Meta’s ecosystem by tapping into the platform’s vast repository of social conversations.
The company believes the tool will help users find information more quickly while browsing their feeds or searching for specific topics. Whether someone is looking for travel recommendations, community opinions or niche interests, AI Mode aims to deliver a summarised response instead of requiring users to sift through multiple posts.
The rollout is part of Meta’s broader push to weave artificial intelligence deeper into everyday Facebook experiences.
Alongside AI Mode, the company is introducing a range of AI-powered creative tools designed to simplify content creation. Updated camera roll suggestions can automatically generate collage templates and video montages with transition effects, helping users create shareable content with minimal effort.
Meta is also launching AI photo presets that allow users to digitally alter outfits, hairstyles and accessories. For sports enthusiasts, that could mean virtually trying on a team jersey before posting a matchday picture.
The features are optional, and users can disable AI-generated suggestions if they prefer a more traditional experience.
More importantly, the rollout highlights Meta’s growing ambition to turn its social platforms into AI-powered discovery engines. While Facebook was once built around connecting people, the company is increasingly positioning it as a place where information, recommendations and creativity are enhanced by artificial intelligence.
Meta has also indicated that Muse Spark’s capabilities will expand over time. Future updates are expected to include source citations and references to publicly shared content across Facebook, Instagram and Threads, giving users greater transparency into where AI-generated recommendations originate.
For Facebook’s billions of users, the familiar search bar may soon become less about finding posts and more about finding answers.