Facebook developing 'LOL' meme app to draw in teenagers

The company is currently testing the app among a small-scale number of U.Due south. teenagers

Steve Buscemi How Do You Do Fellow Kids?

Facebook is working on an app chosen 'LOL' that aims to bring in a younger demographic of users through a hub of funny and trending GIFs and videos.

TechCrunchfirst reported on the existence of LOL and Facebook afterwards confirmed the development and testing of the app to the outlet.

According toTechCrunch, LOL divides its content in categories 'For You,' 'Animals,' 'Fails,' 'Pranks,' 'Savages,' 'Celebs,' and more. The goal appears to exist to entice teenaged users with memes and other popular internet content that's shared from across Facebook.

Facebook toldTechCrunch that information technology is testing the app in a private beta among a minor group of U.S. high school students. For the purposes of the beta, LOL is replacing the tab for Facebook's 'Watch' video platform, although the social network says at that place are no plans for LOL to launch in Watch. However, the company said it hasn't yet finalized whether LOL will have its own tab within Facebook or be a split up app entirely.

The teens taking role in the beta have reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements, and so it'south unclear exactly how they experience near the LOL experience so far. That said,TechCrunch'due south sources who are familiar with LOL'south design said it still feels like a cringey attempt by Facebook attempting to exist young and hip.

Further, these sources said the LOL content was sometimes weeks one-time, making information technology irrelevant to many of the teens that are on the internet on a regular footing.

Source: TechCrunch