Meta is bringing back one of Facebook’s earliest and most iconic features — the “Poke” — in a bid to reconnect with users and appeal to younger audiences. After nearly a decade in obscurity, the poke is getting a modern upgrade with its own dedicated page inside the Facebook app and on the web at facebook.com/poke.
According to Meta, users can now easily see who poked them via a central dashboard, making the once-forgotten feature more accessible than ever. The poke is also back on user profiles, allowing for quick interactions that blend nostalgia with a fresh twist — including a streak-like system where emojis evolve based on how often friends poke each other.
While it never officially disappeared, the poke had been buried deep within Facebook’s interface. After reintroducing it in search last year, Meta saw poke activity jump 13x — enough motivation to give the feature a full relaunch.
The move is part of Mark Zuckerberg’s broader strategy to bring back “OG Facebook” experiences. As Meta competes with platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, reviving quirky, simple interactions like pokes may help it reconnect with Gen Z — especially those who value casual, playful engagement like Snap streaks.
With AI, the metaverse, and regulatory challenges looming, Meta’s decision to resurface pokes might seem trivial — but it signals a clear focus on making Facebook fun and social again.