Remember the Facebook ‘Poke’? Meta brings it back with Snapchat-style upgrade

Meta has decided to bring back one of Facebook’s earliest and most recognisable features, the Poke. Once a light-hearted way to grab attention or say hello without typing a message, the Poke is now returning to user profiles with a new twist.

In a carousel post, Facebook said: “Sending pokes just got easier”, adding in the caption, “It’s time to start poking again.”

On Instagram, Meta further explained that the feature never fully disappeared but is now being restored more prominently. “Pokes never really left, but they’re making a comeback in a major way!” the company said.

This time, the Poke has its own dedicated page in the Facebook app, showing users who has poked them. Previously, pokes were often missed as they were tucked away in a separate link at facebook.com/pokes. Now, users can keep track of every interaction in one place.

What’s new about the Poke?

According to Meta, pokes will now come with emojis that change depending on the number of pokes exchanged between friends. The update is designed to give the feature a more playful, Snapchat-like feel.

Meta explained: “Now you can poke your friends directly from their profiles and learn about new activities through notifications.”

What is the history of Poke?

The Poke was first introduced in 2004, soon after Facebook launched. It was designed as a simple, quirky way to connect — whether to flirt, play around with friends, or break the ice.

In its early years, the Poke gained huge popularity, especially among teenagers and college students. However, as the platform grew and features such as Messenger, likes and reactions took over, the Poke became less relevant. By 2014, it had largely disappeared from the main app.

How can users access Poke now?

Facebook users can once again poke friends directly from their profile pages without having to search for a separate option. Whenever someone pokes you, a notification will be sent, ensuring that no interaction goes unnoticed.

With its revival, Meta is banking on nostalgia while adding a modern touch, hoping that one of Facebook’s oldest quirks will once again find a place in daily online interactions.