Beware users and marketers! Another Facebook News Feed update is on its way. Why “beware”? Well, because Facebook has started asking its users what they want to see on their homepage, apparently.
Also Read: No More #FOMO: Facebook Optimises NewsFeed To Match Network Speed
According to a post on Facebook’s official blog, the social network and its engineers are looking into the reasons why people like, comment or share stories. These very factors, are the ones that have the most significance, when it comes to determining what’s worth appearing on a user’s Timeline or not.
For the past few weeks, Facebook has been conducting a series of surveys among thousands of its users. With some simple questions, Facebook’s engineers are determining whether they have the right stories appearing at the right rank on people’s News Feeds, or if there’s more room for improvement and customisation.
Of particular interest is the fact that the main reasons for posts going viral remains largely unknown, even for the world’s biggest social network. It’s true; we see all types of content going viral for no apparent reason. From hoaxes to breaking news, a lot of posts get traction, with many people NOT interested in seeing them at all.
Yes, viral posts can be a tricky business and that’s why Facebook wants your help. Throughout the course of the next weeks, Facebook will start asking its users whether they prefer one viral post over another. If people say that they are not particularly interested in the specific viral story, then it will land lower on people’s newsfeed.
Of course, if users claim that the viral story is of genuine interest to them, then its ranking will remain untouched. Maybe time will finally reveal the factors that make viral stories go viral, and we will get one step closer to the perfect, bespoke, News Feed.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay updated:
Follow @wersm
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook To Begin Testing Topic Exclusion Controls For Advertisers
Facebook is to begin testing a new brand safety options, including new Facebook Ads topic exclusion controls for a small …
Facebook Oversight Board Publishes Decisions On First Cases
Back in December, Facebook's independent Oversight Board took on its first cases. Its decisions on these cases are now published.
Facebook Continues To Lose Users In The US And Canada
Facebook’s daily active users decline for a second quarter in the United States and Canada, caused by user fatigue and …
Facebook Launches Facebook News Portal In The UK
Facebook is starting to roll out Facebook News in the UK, a destination in its app featuring curated news from …
Facebook Revamps Access Your Information On iOS And Android
Facebook has announced a revamped version of its Access Your Information tool, making it easier for users to find and …
Facebook Bans Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories Ahead Of Inauguration Day
Facebook has announced a ban, on its platforms, of ads promoting weapon accessories and protective equipment - at least through …
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.
New Year’s Eve 2020 Sets New Records For Use Of Facebook Apps
Facebook was expecting a traffic spike on its apps over New Year's Eve, but this year broke all previous records …