Meta bets on nostalgia and gamification to win back younger users.
Facebook is bringing back one of its most fun and nostalgic features, the Poke, almost ten years after it quietly disappeared. Introduced in 2004, the Poke was a playful way for users to get someone’s attention, but it slowly faded out around 2014.
Now, in 2025, the company has relaunched Pokes with a fresh design and interactive twists, hoping to make it relevant for a new generation of users.
Easier to Find, Easier to Use
The Poke button is no longer hidden in menus. It now sits prominently on user profiles next to the “Message” option. Facebook has also restored a dedicated Pokes page, where users can view incoming pokes, poke back, and keep track of their playful interactions.
Streaks and Emojis Add a Competitive Edge
This time around, the Poke isn’t just a simple nudge. Meta has introduced gamified features, including streak-like counts and emoji rewards. If two friends poke each other often, their activity builds into a visible “poke count,” highlighted with streak-style icons such as fire emojis or the popular “100” badge.
The update borrows from the addictive streak mechanics of platforms like Snapchat, aiming to keep users engaged through friendly competition.
A Strategy to Reconnect with Gen Z
The revival is more than a nostalgic experiment. Meta has been struggling to keep younger audiences hooked on Facebook, which is often seen as a platform for older users. A redesign in 2024 had already boosted Poke usage by 13 times, especially among Gen Z. Riding on that success, Meta now hopes this updated version will become part of daily social habits.
“Pokes Never Really Left”
Meta has positioned the comeback as both nostalgic and new. “Pokes never really left, but they’re making a comeback in a major way,” the company said in a statement.
Will It Work This Time?
This marks at least the fourth attempt to revive the Poke since its peak years. Whether this latest gamified twist will make it stick—or once again fade into obscurity—will depend on how users embrace it in the months ahead.
