Two months after Facebook introduced hashtags, the social network is now testing another popular Twitter feature: trending topics.
AllThingsD reports that Facebook started experimenting with its own version of trending topics on Wednesday. Facebook confirmed the news to Mashable in a statement.
“Today we started running a small test that displays topics trending on Facebook,” a Facebook rep told Mashable. “It is currently only available to a small percentage of U.S. users who use Facebook’s mobile web site (m.facebook.com) and is still in very early stages of development.”
Those users who are part of the test group will notice a tile in their mobile news feed that lists one or more trending keywords (“Shark Week,” for example). If you tap on that topic, you’ll be shown posts from other users — including those you’re not directly connected to — mentioning those words.
Facebook has borrowed several features from Twitter over the years, including “@” mentions, verified accounts and the option to follow influencers. With the introduction of hashtags and now trending topics, Facebook appears to be trying to foster more real-time discussions with an eye towards boosting user engagement and, of course, drawing in more real-time ad dollars.
How do you feel about Facebook potentially introducing trending topics? Share in the comments.
Via: Mashable
Photo Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty
