Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans for a “return to OG Facebook” in 2025 during the company’s Q4 earnings call.
While details are scarce, the move suggests an effort to revive Facebook’s cultural relevance, especially among younger users.
Meta’s Plan to Revamp Facebook
Zuckerberg hinted that upcoming changes may prioritize engagement over short-term business results, signaling potential revenue tradeoffs.
Meta has already tested Gen Z-focused redesigns, such as an October 2024 update emphasizing local communities, video, and groups, but with limited success.
The Challenge: Winning Over Gen Z
Data from eMarketer and Pew Research shows that Facebook usage among Gen Z has plummeted, with younger users favoring TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Facebook Marketplace remains one of the few features still popular with this demographic.
Despite previous failures like Facebook Campus (2020-2021) and Meta’s dating features, the company hopes its new strategy can rekindle interest in the platform.
However, the rise of decentralized social networks like Mastodon and Bluesky poses additional challenges.
Can ‘OG Facebook’ Succeed?
Meta has long sought to mask Facebook’s decline by shifting focus to its “family of apps” metrics rather than individual platform performance. With Facebook’s core user base aging, it remains uncertain whether a return to its roots will be enough to attract younger generations.
What do you think—can Facebook make a comeback?
