Meta expands AI features and subscription plans on Facebook

On Monday, Meta announced the rollout of new AI features on Facebook, aiming to change how users find information, create content, and interact with the platform. The central update is “AI Mode,” a search feature that uses Meta AI to surface answers pulled from public posts across Facebook. Instead of scrolling through search results, users can ask questions and receive synthesized answers based on public discussions. Alongside this search tool, Meta introduced editing features, including AI-powered photo presets that let users change their appearance in photos, and video editing tools for collage cutouts and transition effects.

These updates follow a series of AI features Meta has shipped on Facebook in recent months. In February, Meta introduced animated profile pictures. In March, the company added an AI feature to Facebook Marketplace. Earlier this month, Facebook launched an AI assistant for creators. This assistant followed the launch last month of Forum, a Reddit-style app that includes its own AI “Ask” tab, which lets users pose questions and get answers pulled from discussions.

However, both AI Mode and Forum’s Ask tab raise questions about reliability. Because the system generates answers from public posts and group chatter, there’s a real risk of outdated or misleading information slipping through. This risk of inaccuracy, which relies on user-generated content rather than vetted sources, mirrors concerns raised about Google’s AI search features on Reddit.

The rollout coincides with Meta’s launch of global subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These plans cost $3.99 a month to unlock additional features. More AI-related subscription tiers are reportedly in development as the company seeks to expand its paid offerings.

Why it matters

Meta is leveraging AI to increase user engagement on Facebook while simultaneously diversifying its revenue streams through global subscription models.