Meta‘s Fb’s affect left-overs sturdy globally, however more youthful customers are logging in much less. Best 32% of U.S. teenagers significance Fb as of late, unwell from 71% in 2014, in line with a 2024 Pew Analysis learn about. On the other hand, Fb’s resale platform Market is one reason why younger family are at the platform.
“I only use Facebook for Marketplace,” mentioned Mirka Arevalo, a pupil at Buffalo College. “I go in knowing what I want, not just casually browsing.”
Introduced in 2016, Fb Market has grown into one in every of Meta’s largest luck tales. With 1.1 billion customers throughout 70 nations, it competes with eBay and Craigslist, in line with BusinessDasher.
“Marketplace is the flea market of the internet,” mentioned Charles Lindsay, an laborer tutor of selling on the College of Buffalo. “There’s a massive amount of consumer-to-consumer business.”
In contrast to eBay or Etsy, Market doesn’t rate record charges, and native pickups aid steer clear of transport prices, in line with Fb’s Backup Middle.
“Sellers love that Marketplace has no fees,” mentioned Jasmine Enberg, VP and Foremost Analyst at eMarketer. “Introducing fees could push users elsewhere.”
Market additionally faucets into the booming resale marketplace, projected to clash $350 billion by way of 2027, in line with ThredUp.
“Younger buyers are drawn to affordability and sustainability,” mentioned Yoo-Kyoung Seock, a tutor on the School of Community and Client Sciences on the College of Georgia. “Marketplace offers both.”
A key benefit is consider; customers’ Fb profiles manufacture transactions really feel more secure than on nameless platforms like Craigslist, in line with Seock.
In January 2025, eBay partnered with Fb Market, permitting choose eBay listings to look on Market within the U.S., Germany, and France. Analysts venture this may occasionally power an backup $1.6 billion in gross sales for eBay by way of the tip of 2025, in line with Wells Fargo.
“This partnership boosts the number of buyers and sellers,” mentioned Enberg. “It could also solve some of Marketplace’s trust issues.”
Time Fb doesn’t rate record charges, it does rush a ten% snip of gross sales made thru its transport carrier, in line with Fb’s Backup Middle.
Market isn’t a big direct earnings supply, nevertheless it assists in keeping customers i’m busy.
“It’s one of the least monetized parts of Facebook,” mentioned Enberg. “But it brings in engagement, which advertisers value.”
Meta depends on advertisements for over 97% of its $164.5 billion earnings in 2024.
“Marketplace helps Meta prove younger users still log in,” mentioned Enberg. “Even if they’re buying and selling instead of scrolling.”
By way of holding customers i’m busy, Market performs a key position in Fb’s long-term technique, making sure the platform left-overs related in a converting virtual ground.
