Facebook testing new sidebar, channels for groups
The new features aim to make it easier for users to find and participate in group discussions, events, and experiences.
The case for groups. This reorganization doesn’t change the functionality of groups or how they work, but reorganizes them within the Facebook platform and offers a few new features.
Facebook groups have been around since 2010. Groups are used to get users with similar interests and hobbies together, in a place where they can collaborate, communicate, sell, or meet in person.
How groups are organized. In the new sidebar, you’ll be able to easily see a menu that takes you to links for events, shops, chats or other channels within the group.
Within their groups, admins can create individual channels to allow smaller, more casual interactions. This is meant to drive deeper discussions and organize the group around sub-topics of interests and demographics.
New group features
Community chat. Message and collaborate with other group members in private, smaller channels based on a sub-topic or interest.
Community audio. This allows admins and members to hold audio conversations in real-time.
Community feed. Just like with a normal Facebook feed, the community feeds allow you to browse activity within your selected channel.
Launch date TBD. There is no information on when these new features will be launched to the public. You can read Facebook’s announcement here.
Why we care. Businesses with a large Facebook presence can take advantage of these new features and create groups around their product or service. There’s no guarantee they’ll result in any measurable success, but creating a community around their brand is one way to keep people engaged.
