Meta has quietly launched a new standalone app called Forum that aims to compete with Reddit by focusing on Facebook Groups discussions. The company describes Forum as “a dedicated space built for deeper discussions, real answers and communities you care about.”
The app was first spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra and represents Meta’s latest attempt to create specialized platforms within its ecosystem. Users can sign in with their Facebook accounts and access their existing groups, though they can post using nicknames rather than their real names.
Forum’s main appeal lies in its conversation-focused approach. The app centers feeds around group discussions, allowing users to see “what real people are saying, not just what’s trending.” This positioning directly challenges Reddit’s community-driven model while building on Meta’s existing Groups infrastructure.
The app includes several notable features designed to enhance community interaction:
- AI-powered “Ask” tab that compiles answers from discussions across different groups
- Admin AI assistant to help group administrators manage and moderate content
- Seamless integration with Facebook Groups, where posts remain visible across both platforms
- Nickname posting options for more privacy-focused discussions
This isn’t Meta’s first attempt at a dedicated Groups app. The company launched a similar standalone Groups app in 2014 but shut it down in 2017 due to limited adoption. Forum represents a more ambitious effort, arriving at a time when community-focused platforms are gaining significant traction.
Forum is part of a broader app expansion strategy at Meta. The company also recently launched Instants, an app for sharing disappearing photos with Instagram friends that borrows heavily from BeReal and Snapchat. According to Wall Street Journal reports, CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that AI-driven efficiencies now allow the company to build many more apps than before.
Zuckerberg reportedly discussed building “50 new apps” with chief product officer Chris Cox, though he acknowledged the need to start with a few successful launches before scaling up. This strategy reflects Meta’s attempt to diversify its offerings as growth slows on its main platforms.
However, Meta’s recent app launches largely copy existing successful services. Instants mimics BeReal and Snapchat features, while last year’s Meta Edits essentially replicates ByteDance’s CapCut video editing app. This pattern raises questions about whether consumers actually want more apps from Meta or prefer the original services these new offerings imitate.
The timing of Forum’s launch is particularly interesting given Reddit’s continued growth and recent IPO success. Meta appears to be betting that its massive Facebook Groups user base will migrate to a more focused discussion platform, though the company’s mixed track record with standalone apps suggests success isn’t guaranteed.
