Crush On Your Mind? Facebook’s New ‘Poke' Feature Lets You Remind Them Instantly
Share this article:
Meta has announced that Facebook’s quirky and nostalgic ‘Poke’ button is returning, this time in a refreshed avatar. Users will once again be able to poke their friends and even keep track of how many times they’ve poked or been poked.
Back in the early 2010s, the Poke feature became a playful way for users to grab someone’s attention especially friends or crushes. Over time, however, it faded into obscurity as Facebook introduced newer features like Reactions, Stories, and Reels. Now, more than a decade later, the social media giant is reviving the button with added functionality.
What’s New in the Revamped Poke Feature?
According to Meta, the new Poke feature will be visible directly on user profiles with a dedicated button. Once a user pokes someone, the recipient will receive a notification alert.
This time, Facebook has added a tracking element:
Additionally, Facebook has launched a dedicated page, facebook.com/pokes where users can discover friends to poke and monitor their personal “poke count.” This adds a gamified layer, similar to Snapchat streaks or TikTok interactions, designed to keep users engaged.
A Feature That Never Disappeared
Many users assumed pokes had been discontinued years ago. However, Facebook clarified that the feature was never fully removed—it simply became less visible. Interestingly, Meta revealed that younger users had recently begun reviving pokes themselves, inspiring the company to bring the feature back into the spotlight.
Meta described pokes as a “classic way to virtually nudge someone and remind them you’re around.”
Concerns Over Addictive Features
While the relaunch has sparked nostalgia, some critics warn that gamifying social features could fuel addictive behaviours, particularly among teenagers. The ability to track poke counts, much like Snapchat streaks, may encourage users to spend longer periods on the platform.
Meta, however, maintains that the Poke button is intended to be lighthearted and fun, rather than a primary communication tool.
Not Facebook’s First Attempt at Revival
This is not the first time Meta has experimented with reviving the feature. In March 2024, the company simplified the process by making the poking page easier to find through search. That update alone caused a 13x increase in poke usage, proving the nostalgic pull of the feature.
The latest revamp builds on this momentum, making pokes more visible, interactive, and engaging, while preserving their playful spirit.
Why This Relaunch Matters
With platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram dominating youth attention, Facebook is eager to re-engage users by reviving its classic elements. By adding tracking tools and gamification, Meta hopes to attract both nostalgic older users and digitally active Gen Z audiences.
Whether it’s about reconnecting with old friends, nudging a crush, or simply reliving Facebook’s early days, the new Poke feature is set to bring back a touch of fun that many thought was gone forever.
Back in the early 2010s, the Poke feature became a playful way for users to grab someone’s attention especially friends or crushes. Over time, however, it faded into obscurity as Facebook introduced newer features like Reactions, Stories, and Reels. Now, more than a decade later, the social media giant is reviving the button with added functionality.
What’s New in the Revamped Poke Feature?
According to Meta, the new Poke feature will be visible directly on user profiles with a dedicated button. Once a user pokes someone, the recipient will receive a notification alert.
This time, Facebook has added a tracking element:
- Users can see how many times they’ve poked others.
- They can also check how many times they’ve been poked back.
Additionally, Facebook has launched a dedicated page, facebook.com/pokes where users can discover friends to poke and monitor their personal “poke count.” This adds a gamified layer, similar to Snapchat streaks or TikTok interactions, designed to keep users engaged.
A Feature That Never Disappeared
Many users assumed pokes had been discontinued years ago. However, Facebook clarified that the feature was never fully removed—it simply became less visible. Interestingly, Meta revealed that younger users had recently begun reviving pokes themselves, inspiring the company to bring the feature back into the spotlight.
Meta described pokes as a “classic way to virtually nudge someone and remind them you’re around.”
Concerns Over Addictive Features
While the relaunch has sparked nostalgia, some critics warn that gamifying social features could fuel addictive behaviours, particularly among teenagers. The ability to track poke counts, much like Snapchat streaks, may encourage users to spend longer periods on the platform.
Meta, however, maintains that the Poke button is intended to be lighthearted and fun, rather than a primary communication tool.
Not Facebook’s First Attempt at Revival
This is not the first time Meta has experimented with reviving the feature. In March 2024, the company simplified the process by making the poking page easier to find through search. That update alone caused a 13x increase in poke usage, proving the nostalgic pull of the feature.
The latest revamp builds on this momentum, making pokes more visible, interactive, and engaging, while preserving their playful spirit.
Why This Relaunch Matters
With platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram dominating youth attention, Facebook is eager to re-engage users by reviving its classic elements. By adding tracking tools and gamification, Meta hopes to attract both nostalgic older users and digitally active Gen Z audiences.
Whether it’s about reconnecting with old friends, nudging a crush, or simply reliving Facebook’s early days, the new Poke feature is set to bring back a touch of fun that many thought was gone forever.
Next Story