Facebook is one of the largest and most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2.9 billion monthly active users as of 2022. Given its massive userbase, Facebook has expanded beyond just the core Facebook app and now encompasses a variety of apps and services.
The Facebook app is the core Facebook product that allows users to connect with friends and family. On Facebook, users can share photos and videos, message each other, join groups, and more. Key features of the Facebook app include:
- News Feed – A personalized feed of posts from friends, family, groups, and pages you follow.
- Messenger – Built-in messaging allows users to communicate with each other.
- Groups – Enables users to connect with others who share similar interests.
- Events – Allows users to discover, create, and share local events.
- Pages – Public profiles that businesses, brands, celebrities, causes, and other organizations can create.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is Facebook’s standalone messaging app. It allows users to send individual and group chats with text, photos, videos, audio messages, and more. Key features include:
- Group Chats – Chat with up to 50 friends in one thread.
- Voice and Video Calls – Make free calls over WiFi or data.
- Messenger Rooms – Video chat with up to 50 people with no time limits.
- Stories – Share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
- Messenger Kids – A parent-controlled version for children under 13.
Instagram is Facebook’s popular photo and video sharing app. Users can post photos and videos to their feed, use filters, follow hashtags, browse content from others, and more. Key Instagram features include:
- Stories – Share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
- Live Video – Broadcast real-time video to followers.
- IGTV – Post long-form vertical videos up to 60 minutes long.
- Reels – Create 15-second multi-clip videos with music and effects.
- DMs – Send disappearing photos and videos in direct messages.
WhatsApp is a secure messaging and voice over IP service acquired by Facebook in 2014. It allows users to connect with individuals or groups. Key features of WhatsApp include:
- End-to-End Encryption – Messages and calls are secured with encryption.
- Group Chats – Chat with up to 256 people in one thread.
- Voice and Video Calls – Make free calls over WiFi or data.
- WhatsApp Web/Desktop – Message from your computer’s browser.
- International Use – Works globally with just a phone number.
Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming allows users to watch and stream live gameplay, follow gamers, and take part in gaming groups. Key features of Facebook Gaming include:
- Go Live – Stream gameplay directly from your phone or gaming console.
- Cloud Play – Jump into mobile games with no downloads required.
- Videos – Watch prerecorded gameplay videos and esports highlights.
- Gaming Groups – Join groups for your favorite games.
- Gaming Creator Program – Earn money for streaming through an official partnership.
Oculus
Oculus VR headsets and platforms were acquired by Facebook in 2014. Oculus allows users to experience virtual reality in gaming, entertainment, and social interactions. Key products and features include:
- Oculus Rift – PC-powered virtual reality headset.
- Oculus Quest – Standalone wireless VR headset.
- Oculus Go – Entry-level wireless VR headset.
- Oculus Rooms – Virtual hangout spaces to interact with friends in VR.
- Oculus Avatars – Represent yourself across VR with a custom avatar.
Portal
Portal from Facebook are smart display devices focused on video calling. Features of Portal devices include:
- Smart Camera – Automatically pans and zooms to keep up with movement during video calls.
- Alexa Built-in – Makes hands-free requests like setting timers, getting news updates, and more.
- Story Time – Enhances children’s stories with music, animation and AR effects.
- Workplace – Integrates with Workplace from Facebook for simple video meetings.
- Smart Display – Showcases photos and videos when not on calls.
Facebook Pay
Facebook Pay allows users to make payments and money transfers across Facebook apps. Key features include:
- Send/Receive Money – Securely send and receive money between users.
- Donate – Contribute to nonprofits and personal fundraisers.
- eCommerce Checkout – Check out faster in apps and websites.
- Loyalty Programs – Link loyalty cards for rewards.
- Transaction History – View your payment history in one place.
Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating allows users to match with others for online dating. Features of Facebook Dating include:
- Secret Crush – Users can select up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers who they’re interested in.
- Match Preferences – Select preferences related to location, age, religion, height, and more.
- Stories Integration – Share Facebook and Instagram stories directly into your dating profile.
- Virtual Dates – Video chat with matches through Messenger video calls or Rooms.
- Events and Groups – Matches can see and comment on your events and groups.
Conclusion
Facebook has expanded far beyond its initial social networking platform over the years through strategic acquisitions and development of new apps and services. While the Facebook app remains at the core, the company now provides a diverse ecosystem of apps enabling social interaction, messaging, entertainment, payments and commerce, virtual reality, and more. Facebook’s apps and services posses massive user bases and have become deeply integrated into the daily digital lives of a large portion of the global online population.