Facebook Does Not Limit Newsfeed to 26 Friends
The Claim
Viral social media posts are claiming that Facebook has a new algorithm that limits users' newsfeed to the same 26 people.
News posted on
Emerging story
Multiple Facebook users are claiming that the social media company has a new algorithm that prioritizes posts from the same 25 or 26 people unless users make a post that supposedly circumvents the algorithm.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation shows that the claim is fake. In fact, rumors surrounding this supposed algorithm on Facebook have been circulating since 2017. Facebook made changes to the way their algorithm worked back in January 2018. The Facebook algorithm does place certain friend’s posts higher than others based on the ones you have interacted with the most. Additionally, it places posts of friends who share common friends or interests.
The Misbar team even participated in the post that supposedly circumvents Facebook’s algorithm by reposting the comment, “Thanks for the tip to circumvent Facebook... Works!! I have a whole new profile. I see posts from people I didn't see anymore. Facebook's new algorithm picks the same people - around 25-who will see your posts. Hold your finger anywhere in this post and click 'copy.' Go to your page where it says 'what's on your mind.' Tap your finger anywhere in the empty field. Click paste. This is going to circumvent the system. Hello new and old friends! Hello! Drop a single hello, thanks! PLEASE SAY HELLO IF YOU SEE THIS.”
Despite posting this, the Misbar team saw no change to the users prioritized within their personal profile.
