In the earlier days of Facebook, characterized by blue walls and status updates, the ‘poke’ feature emerged as one of the platform’s most unique elements. This playful digital tap held varying meanings and now, Meta is reviving it with a modern update for 2025. The poke is officially making a comeback on Facebook, accompanied by a more noticeable poke button on user profiles and a new feature called the Poke count, which resembles Snapchat’s streaks. This addition rewards users for frequent pokes with different emojis, enhancing the fun and competitive aspect of the interaction. Meta confirmed via an Instagram post that pokes will be more visible, with the rollout occurring in the Facebook app.
Users can also track their poking history on a dedicated page at facebook.com/pokes, allowing friends to view their interactions. For younger users unfamiliar with its history, pokes were previously one of the earliest forms of engagement on Facebook, existing before reactions and video content. Though the gesture never had a definitive meaning, it became a significant part of Facebook’s early culture. As the platform evolved, the poke gradually faded from prominence, although Meta has attempted to revive it multiple times, recognizing its enduring appeal. Just last year, Meta highlighted a 13-fold increase in poke usage when it became easier to locate in the search bar. This data likely influenced their decision to further explore nostalgia.
The revival of pokes aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s initiative to reinstate what he refers to as ‘OG Facebook features.’ He has recently stressed the need for Facebook to prioritize real connections among friends over algorithm-driven content from strangers. In this context, the poke serves as a quintessential example of one-to-one interaction on the platform. Furthermore, Meta is striving to remain relevant to younger audiences, who often perceive Facebook as a platform for their parents’ generation. The introduction of poke streaks, a quirky and meme-friendly feature, may appeal to Gen Z, who are accustomed to gamified communications on apps like Snapchat.
For longstanding Facebook users, the return of the poke may evoke nostalgia, while for newer users, it provides a fresh and playful means of interaction. In either case, Meta is hopeful that this once-simple button can reignite conversations and attract a new generation of users.