Facebook frames were a popular way to customize your profile picture and show support for causes or interests back in the 2000s and early 2010s. However, Facebook removed the ability to add frames to profile pictures in 2013. So can you still use Facebook frames in 2022? The short answer is no, Facebook does not allow users to add frames to their profile pictures anymore.
The History of Facebook Frames
Facebook first introduced the ability to add frames to profile pictures in 2009. It started with simple frames to show school spirit, support sports teams, or celebrate holidays. But soon hundreds of unique Facebook frames were created by users and pages for every interest under the sun – favorite TV shows, music artists, social causes, brands, movies, and more.
Adding a frame to your profile picture was an easy way to show off what you were a fan of or cared about. Businesses and organizations could create frames to engage with users. And it became popular to switch your frame to match holidays or events. Frames were a defining visual element of early Facebook profiles in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
The Peak of Facebook Frame Frames
Facebook frames likely peaked in popularity around 2010-2012. During this time it was common to see feeds filled with friends’ profile pictures donning various frames. Some major moments that led to surges in frame use and sharing include:
- The 2010 FIFA World Cup – fans globally added frames of their favorite teams
- The 2011 Royal Wedding – frames celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nuptials
- 2012 US Presidential Election – Obama and Romney supporters campaigned
Holidays also reliably led to seasonal frame sharing. And pop culture moments like new Harry Potter movie releases had frames spread. Facebook frames were a way for users to unite around interests and show off their fandoms.
The Decline of Facebook Frames
While still popular in early 2013, Facebook frames began to be used less and less. There are a few reasons for this decline:
- User fatigue – frames lost novelty after years of regular use
- Shift to mobile – frames didn’t catch on as well on smaller mobile screens
- More profile picture options – cover photos and profile picture updates gave new ways to customize
By mid-2013, frames were seen as outdated or unnecessary by many users. Most profiles had reverted back to regular profile pictures without added frames or images.
The End of Facebook Frames
In August 2013, Facebook officially removed the ability to add frames to profile and cover photos. At this point most users had stopped using frames. But the change formally ended the popular early Facebook profile picture trend.
Some of the factors that led to Facebook retiring frames include:
- Declining usage – most had stopped using frames regularly
- Visual clutter – frames made profiles look overly busy
- Focus on other features – Facebook wanted to highlight cover photos and regular profile pictures
While Facebook frames were once a hugely popular profile picture customization, the feature simply ran its course. Facebook likely wanted profiles to have a cleaner, more uniform look. The era of quirky, personalized frames had come to an end.
Are There Still Ways to Customize Your Profile Picture?
While dedicated Facebook frames are no longer an option, there are other ways to customize your profile picture on Facebook:
- Editing before uploading – use photo editing software to add elements like graphics, text, or filters to your picture prior to uploading it
- Facebook stickers – add emojis, flags, causes, holidays and more from Facebook’s sticker library
- Temporary profile picture changes – you can now temporarily update your profile picture to support causes (ex: add a flag overlay)
It takes a bit more effort than just selecting a frame. But you can still customize your profile picture to some degree. Temporary profile picture updates are probably the closest analog to the old Facebook frame system. But editing your photo beforehand gives you the most creative freedom.
Could Facebook Frames Return?
Given how long it’s been since their removal, it seems highly unlikely Facebook would ever reintroduce the frames feature. Profile frames were very much tied to late 2000s/early 2010s Facebook culture. The nostalgia factor around them persists, but Facebook likely wants to keep moving forward.
If frame usage started growing again organically, potentially Facebook could support it. But they seem set on keeping profile pictures clean. And there are now many more ways to express yourself across Facebook, Instagram, Stories, Reels and more. So the bulk of creativity is not dependent on profile frames.
That said, never say never! If users show demand for profile frames, Facebook could bring them back in some form. But given their dated reputation, they would likely need a complete overhaul to be compelling again.
Conclusion
Facebook profile frames were an iconic part of early Facebook, allowing users to customize profile pictures to show their interests and fandoms. Frame usage peaked around 2010-2012 before declining. Facebook removed the ability to add frames in August 2013, marking the end of the popular profile picture trend.
While you can no longer use traditional Facebook frames, there are some limited ways to customize your profile picture. But frames are largely a nostalgic relic of older Facebook. And despite user fondness for them, it’s unlikely the dedicated frames feature will ever return on Facebook profiles.