Meta Launches Reddit-Style App ‘Forum’ to Transform Facebook Groups Into Community Hubs

Meta has quietly rolled out a new standalone social media app called “Forum”, a platform designed to bring Facebook Groups into a more focused, discussion-driven experience similar to Reddit. The move signals Meta’s latest attempt to strengthen online communities and keep users engaged beyond traditional social feeds.

The app reportedly appeared on Apple’s App Store without a major launch event or public announcement, immediately drawing comparisons with Reddit because of its threaded conversations, community-centric layout, and topic-based discussions.

According to early reports, Forum is deeply connected to Facebook groups. Users can log in using their Facebook accounts, and their existing groups, activity, and profiles automatically carry over into the new platform. Instead of scrolling through Facebook’s crowded main feed, Forum presents users with dedicated discussions focused entirely on communities and shared interests.

One of the standout features is an AI-powered “Ask” tool that allows users to search discussions and receive summarised answers pulled from conversations across groups. Meta is also reportedly testing AI moderation tools for group administrators to help manage spam, discussions, and community interactions more efficiently.

Industry analysts believe the launch reflects Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s long-term strategy of expanding social engagement through niche and interest-based communities rather than relying solely on broad social networking. Over the past few years, online forums and community-driven platforms have gained popularity as users increasingly seek authentic discussions and specialised knowledge. Reddit has particularly benefited from this trend, becoming one of the internet’s most influential discussion hubs.

Forum appears to be Meta’s answer to that shift. The platform combines Reddit-style conversation threads with Facebook’s massive group ecosystem, potentially giving Meta an edge through its already established user base. Reports suggest the app also recommends new communities to users based on their interests and activity history.

The launch has already sparked debate across the tech industry and social media circles. Some users welcomed the cleaner, discussion-first approach, while others questioned whether Meta could successfully replicate Reddit’s community culture. Reactions on Reddit itself were mixed, with several users criticizing Meta’s moderation history and Facebook-style identity system.

Interestingly, the timing of Forum’s launch comes as Meta continues to aggressively expand its standalone app ecosystem. After introducing Threads as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), the company now appears focused on dominating another major segment of online interaction: community forums and discussion platforms.

While Meta has not yet released full details about Forum’s global rollout, monetisation plans, or Android availability, the app’s quiet debut suggests the company may initially be testing public response before a wider expansion. Tech observers believe the success of Forum will largely depend on whether Meta can create meaningful discussions without overwhelming users with algorithm-driven content and advertising.