Facebook gets AI makeover as Meta rolls out smarter search, creative tools

As the global race to dominate artificial intelligence intensifies, Meta is accelerating efforts to weave AI deeper into the Facebook experience. The social media giant has unveiled a new suite of AI-powered features designed to transform how users search for information, create content and interact with the platform.

AI Mode aims to reinvent search

Leading the rollout is Facebook's new AI Mode, a feature that shifts search beyond the traditional search-engine model. Instead of scrolling through countless posts, users can ask questions in natural language and receive summarized responses generated from public posts, Groups and Reels across Facebook.

Meta positions the feature as a conversational assistant that can surface and synthesize discussions happening across the platform, helping users find relevant information more quickly and efficiently.

However, the feature also raises familiar concerns surrounding AI-generated content. Because responses are based on public user posts rather than verified sources, there remains a possibility that outdated, misleading or inaccurate information could be included in search results.

New AI-powered creative features

Meta is also expanding Facebook's creative toolkit with a range of AI-driven editing features.

Camera Roll sharing suggestions are receiving new collage cutout templates and transition effects, allowing users to transform photos and videos into polished montages with minimal effort. The feature remains optional and can be disabled at any time.

Another addition is AI photo presets, which enable users to digitally alter their appearance by changing clothing, hairstyles and accessories. Sports fans can also virtually wear their favourite team's jersey through the new editing tools. Users can access the feature by selecting the AI Edit option in Stories and choosing "Wear It", or by using the AI-powered profile picture restyling tool.

Part of Meta's broader AI push

The latest updates are the newest step in Meta's wider strategy to make Facebook increasingly AI-centric.

Over recent months, the company has introduced animated profile pictures, AI-powered creator assistance tools and a Marketplace feature that automatically responds to potential buyers on behalf of sellers. Meta has also launched global subscription plans spanning Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, with additional AI-focused subscription offerings reportedly under development.