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Meta says Forum, a standalone app synced with Facebook Groups, is available to download in the US on iOS and Android. The company is testing AI-assisted search, topic labels and a new member recognition role, but has not shared a broader release timeline.
Meta has introduced new features in Forum, a standalone app for Facebook Groups that is available to download in the United States on iOS and Android. The company says the app, which began testing in May, is designed to bring a user’s Facebook groups into one place and help people find conversations and firsthand recommendations from members.
Forum syncs with a user’s Facebook groups and lets them browse activity, join discussions and discover other groups. Meta says people can sign in with their Facebook account. The latest additions are tests rather than a statement that every feature is available to every user.
One feature, called Ask, uses AI to surface existing posts and comments in Facebook groups in response to questions. It can show discussions from groups a person already belongs to and public groups they have not joined, with links to open the original conversation. Meta says new Ask functions can bring together member recommendations when someone compares options, and suggest questions based on recent searches.
Meta is also testing topic labels on posts, such as Solo Travel or Korean Food, to help people find more discussions about an interest. A separate test introduces a role for members whose contributions help their groups. The role replaces contributor badges and the group expert role, according to Meta, and can be granted by admins or through nominations from the company.
A Dedicated Home for Group Discussions
Forum gives Facebook Groups a separate app, potentially making group conversations easier to follow for people active in several communities. The focus on searching existing discussions also offers another way to find advice without relying only on new posts or general web results. Meta describes Ask’s results as grounded in what group members have shared; users can open the source discussion to see the posts and comments themselves.
The recognition role could affect how members contribute and how admins identify helpful voices. Meta says people may earn it by answering questions, sharing firsthand experience, offering practical tips or starting conversations. The role includes a badge and benefits, including faster post publishing, while posts remain subject to Facebook’s Community Standards. Meta has not described the full set of benefits or how it will evaluate nominations.
From May Test to US App
Meta says it started testing Forum in May 2026 and is now introducing additional features. The app is framed as a way to go deeper into Facebook Groups, rather than as a replacement for Facebook: it is synced with groups on the main service and requires a Facebook login.
The member recognition test is also starting on Facebook globally, according to Meta, while the new Forum role is being tested in the United States. Meta says admins can grant the role directly and that members are notified and may remove themselves from it. The company says it will share more about tools for group admins in the coming weeks.
“Forum is a purpose-built app we’re exploring for the people who want to go deeper on Facebook Groups.”
— Meta
Reach and Rollout Remain Open
Meta has not said when Forum might become available outside the United States or whether the app will move beyond testing. It also has not provided figures for downloads, participating groups or member use.
The company has not detailed how Ask selects and ranks posts, how it handles conflicting recommendations, or which groups and searches qualify for its results. Its announcement does not specify how many members will receive the new role, how nominations work in practice, or the exact posting benefits. These details may change as testing continues.
Meta Plans More Admin Updates
Meta says it will share more about how it is building tools for group admins in the coming weeks. For now, people in the US can download Forum on iOS or Android and sign in with Facebook, while the new features remain in testing. The company has not announced a date for a wider rollout.
Key Questions
What is Forum?
Forum is a standalone app from Meta that syncs with Facebook Groups, letting people browse group activity, join conversations and discover other groups.
Where can people download Forum?
Meta says Forum is available to download in the United States on iOS and Android. Users sign in with their Facebook account.
How does Ask work?
Meta says Ask uses AI to highlight existing posts and comments in Facebook groups. It can surface discussions from groups a user has joined and public groups they have not joined, with a link to the conversation.
What is the new member role?
It is a role intended to recognize members whose contributions help their communities. Admins can grant it, and Meta says it will also nominate members. The role includes a badge and benefits such as faster post publishing; members can remove themselves.
When will Forum be available elsewhere?
Meta has not announced a release date or a broader rollout plan. The company says it is continuing to build the app and plans to share more about admin tools in the coming weeks.
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