What is Facebook? Ahh, the question on every millennial's lips during the mid-2000s, back when the concept of social media was but an apple in Zuckerberg's eye. If you're still a little unsure as to what the original social media platform is capable of now, more than 20 years later, then don't worry because we're here to break it down for you. We'll take a look at Facebook's impressive arsenal of peripherals, including the marketplace, digital creator, and professional mode, so you can make sure you get the most out of it.
Of course, if you're wondering what Facebook is, you might also want to download it, so check out our Facebook download guide.
Here's everything you need to know to answer the question of 'what is Facebook?'
What is Facebook?
In short, Facebook is a free online social media and social networking platform. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg and his fellow Harvard College students all the way back in 2004, this decades-old social network paved the way for social media as we know it today. The platform still strives to offer new ways for people all over the world to connect with each other via the internet. It continues to be run and owned by Zuckerberg, but under the conglomerate organisation Meta, alongside apps like Instagram and Whatsapp.
This social media giant is still showing the new kids on the block how it's done, and Facebook remains a great way to stay connected to old friends, family, and those random girls you met in a club bathroom during your hedonistic university days. You can post a status in much the same way as you could way back in the early-2000s, and you can also upload a wealth of pictures and videos so your pals can keep up to date with what's going on in your life. Facebook has essentially everything you need to keep you in the online loop, all in one place.
You can check your Facebook fairly easily, no matter where you are or what you're doing. As long as you've got an internet connection and a device with the app installed, you can log in to your Facebook account and post a status, check your purchases on marketplace, or flick through some reels wherever you are on the go.
What are Facebook reels?
Acting in the same way as YouTube Shorts and Instagram reels, Facebook reels are short-form videos that you can share with any of your contacts. Facebook recommends reels in your feed based on what the algorithm deems relevant to you, and you can find them in your personal feed as well as the Facebook Watch section.
Check out the Facebook Help Centre section on Reels to find out more about how to create, share, manage, or report Facebook Reels.
What is Facebook professional mode?
Facebook professional mode is for creators and businesses to 'reach their full potential on Facebook', allowing you to earn money and view insights so you can better understand what types of posts resonate well with your community. In professional mode, you can unlock revenue opportunities for your business' page, access useful tools to help you grow your audience, and more.
For more information, check out this official Meta for Creators post from December 2021, detailing all the useful features tied to Facebook professional mode.
What is a Facebook digital creator account?
If you are a digital creator on Facebook, it means that you are someone who creates digital content to share with and provide value to audiences. Digital creator accounts allow you to access features that make it easier to control your online presence, get a better understanding of your growth and visibility, and manage your messages from users, fans, and peers. You can switch your personal or business profile to a digital creator account by following the steps in this post from the Meta Business Help Centre.
What is Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace serves as a popular rival of sorts to eBay and Vinted, allowing you to buy and sell items on a fully integrated marketplace. It's very similar to its aforementioned competitors in that you can find pretty much anything on there, from games and consoles to phones, clothes, and even cars. Furthermore, there's a free tab in Facebook Marketplace, allowing you to find items that nice people are giving away for free in your local area.
Can someone know if I viewed their Facebook account?
No, nobody can tell if you have looked at their Facebook page, unless you accidentally like a post or follow them. Unlike TikTok or LinkedIn, Facebook does not have the ability to view your page viewers, so you're safe from doing a little digging on your ex or former schoolteacher, or whoever it is you might want the drop on. Likewise, people cannot tell if you search their name on the app.
To find out more about Facebook Marketplace and how to make the most of it, check out the Meta Business Help Centre page.