On a recent Friday, creators from across the web gathered at a studio in Soho for Facebook IRL, an immersive pop-up bringing the best of Facebook to life. They connected with each other, explored fun activations, and learned how they can take their content to the next level on the platform. Because, turns out, young adults are using Facebook now more than ever.
From creators expertly sourcing unique clothing and furniture items on Facebook Marketplace to thought leaders building community and facilitating meaningful connections through Facebook Groups, the underlying theme heard in every conversation and speech throughout the afternoon couldn’t have been clearer: This is not your mom or grandma’s Facebook. It’s not even the Facebook you used in college. It’s a platform for engaging with like-minded peers and forging long-lasting relationships that go beyond a screen. But don’t just take our word for it — hear for yourself from some of Facebook’s biggest creators at the event.
Designer
Have any of your DIY projects come from a suggestion from your community?
I had a giant mirror arrive completely shattered. I posted a video being like, well FML, what do I do? I like to upcycle, I hate throwing things out, and I’m Japanese, so I wanted to do kintsugi — it’s when you use powdered gold to fix a broken piece. Someone left a comment and said, “Why don’t you put the mirror together and cover up the missing pieces with moss”— my first DIY ever was me doing a moss wall in my bedroom. So it’s like nature kintsugi. It was genius.
What do you love about Facebook Marketplace?
I feel like Facebook Marketplace is filled with young, hip people who are posting things, selling things, and picking up things. So many people like me are fully decorating their homes with Marketplace because we’re not people who can afford brand-name furniture. When I moved to New York years ago, I couldn’t make friends because I don’t drink and I was working remotely. The only friend I made was from Facebook Marketplace. Everyone who I would buy things from, they’re all my age.
Dating coach and host of Street Hearts
Any advice for someone trying to find love on Facebook Dating?
Utilize Facebook as a platform that shows your personality to then make a connection, both online and after when you go on a date. Share photos that represent hobbies you like to do or of activities that reflect your passions. If you love theater, maybe put something in your bio that talks about that. What’s great about Facebook Dating specifically is that it’s familiar enough to everyone so it doesn’t feel as scary as maybe going on another dating app.
Tips for being a better first date conversationalist?
I call it emotional volleyball. I think being curious about who the person is and not what they can necessarily offer you is the best thing you can do on a date. If they say something they like, volleyball it back to something that relates to your life, too. Talk about the smaller things that create connection. And don’t be afraid to joke around. It’s charming to show your humor and put yourself out there, and if someone isn’t getting it, maybe you’re not compatible.
Content creator and founder of the Born Zillennial Facebook Group
What’s the most Zillennial thing you’ve seen on Facebook recently?
We did just have this fun conversation in Born Zillennial about everyone’s first cell phone — we just kind of looked at them all and remembered the names and colors. Everyone was arguing about things like what was your first phone, what was the best one, and which one did everyone want.
What fun Facebook Groups are you part of?
Not Wasting My Twenties is one of my favorites. There’s a group that’s really fun that makes small decisions for you — you go in and even in the rules, they’re like, no big decisions. It’s “Should I eat spaghetti or pizza for dinner?” Date Ideas & Things to Do started in St. Louis, but now they’re in cities around the U.S. Also, Twilight Shitposting. That one’s really fun, they have good meme-makers, which I like. I’m not even the hugest fan but that’s probably one of my favorite groups because it’s silly.
Content creator
What’s a content idea that’s come from follower suggestions?
A lot of people ask how we put Lumi in the backpack that he rides around in on the subway. So I thought, might as well do a little tutorial and a video about how we get him in the backpack, especially because he’s so fluffy.
What’s something unexpected that’s come from sharing Lumi on Facebook?
Someone messaged me a couple of months ago saying, “I got a Samoyed because of you and Lumi and your bond that you show through your videos and Facebook posts.” I couldn’t believe it. You never expect to hear that because you think, “Who am I really going to impact?” Beyond that, connecting with other Samoyed owners on Facebook, especially in New York City, has been a huge plus. Giving advice, sharing training tips, and being able to meet up with other Samoyeds in the city has been really nice.
Nik Pollina and Siena Filippi
Creators and vintage store owners
How do you score the good stuff on Facebook Marketplace?
Filippi: People are listing things quickly or they’re moving so they’re not going to be researching what they’re selling — they just need it gone. Type in different variations of what somebody could possibly list on there — like “round coffee table” or “circle coffee table” — to see what comes up, then based on what terms people are actually using, you can refine your new search.
Pollina: Yeah, learn from other people’s listings.
What’s something that has surprised you about Facebook?
Pollina: It’s a very community-based platform in a way others aren’t. That’s something that we’re personally trying to curate ourselves by opening a studio space that’s not just a place for us to sell secondhand goods, but also a place for our community to come together. We just met someone here who has a massive Facebook group — that would be an amazing way for us as a studio space to collaborate with someone.
Filippi: Facebook is a good place to virtually connect, but then bring that connection in real life.
Designer
Have any of your DIY projects come from a suggestion from your community?
I had a giant mirror arrive completely shattered. I posted a video being like, well FML, what do I do? I like to upcycle, I hate throwing things out, and I’m Japanese, so I wanted to do kintsugi — it’s when you use powdered gold to fix a broken piece. Someone left a comment and said, “Why don’t you put the mirror together and cover up the missing pieces with moss”— my first DIY ever was me doing a moss wall in my bedroom. So it’s like nature kintsugi. It was genius.
What do you love about Facebook Marketplace?
I feel like Facebook Marketplace is filled with young, hip people who are posting things, selling things, and picking up things. So many people like me are fully decorating their homes with Marketplace because we’re not people who can afford brand-name furniture. When I moved to New York years ago, I couldn’t make friends because I don’t drink and I was working remotely. The only friend I made was from Facebook Marketplace. Everyone who I would buy things from, they’re all my age.
Dating coach and host of Street Hearts
Any advice for someone trying to find love on Facebook Dating?
Utilize Facebook as a platform that shows your personality to then make a connection, both online and after when you go on a date. Share photos that represent hobbies you like to do or of activities that reflect your passions. If you love theater, maybe put something in your bio that talks about that. What’s great about Facebook Dating specifically is that it’s familiar enough to everyone so it doesn’t feel as scary as maybe going on another dating app.
Tips for being a better first date conversationalist?
I call it emotional volleyball. I think being curious about who the person is and not what they can necessarily offer you is the best thing you can do on a date. If they say something they like, volleyball it back to something that relates to your life, too. Talk about the smaller things that create connection. And don’t be afraid to joke around. It’s charming to show your humor and put yourself out there, and if someone isn’t getting it, maybe you’re not compatible.
Content creator and founder of the Born Zillennial Facebook Group
What’s the most Zillennial thing you’ve seen on Facebook recently?
We did just have this fun conversation in Born Zillennial about everyone’s first cell phone — we just kind of looked at them all and remembered the names and colors. Everyone was arguing about things like what was your first phone, what was the best one, and which one did everyone want.
What fun Facebook Groups are you part of?
Not Wasting My Twenties is one of my favorites. There’s a group that’s really fun that makes small decisions for you — you go in and even in the rules, they’re like, no big decisions. It’s “Should I eat spaghetti or pizza for dinner?” Date Ideas & Things to Do started in St. Louis, but now they’re in cities around the U.S. Also, Twilight Shitposting. That one’s really fun, they have good meme-makers, which I like. I’m not even the hugest fan but that’s probably one of my favorite groups because it’s silly.
Content creator
What’s a content idea that’s come from follower suggestions?
A lot of people ask how we put Lumi in the backpack that he rides around in on the subway. So I thought, might as well do a little tutorial and a video about how we get him in the backpack, especially because he’s so fluffy.
What’s something unexpected that’s come from sharing Lumi on Facebook?
Someone messaged me a couple of months ago saying, “I got a Samoyed because of you and Lumi and your bond that you show through your videos and Facebook posts.” I couldn’t believe it. You never expect to hear that because you think, “Who am I really going to impact?” Beyond that, connecting with other Samoyed owners on Facebook, especially in New York City, has been a huge plus. Giving advice, sharing training tips, and being able to meet up with other Samoyeds in the city has been really nice.
Nik Pollina and Siena Filippi
Creators and vintage store owners
How do you score the good stuff on Facebook Marketplace?
Filippi: People are listing things quickly or they’re moving so they’re not going to be researching what they’re selling — they just need it gone. Type in different variations of what somebody could possibly list on there — like “round coffee table” or “circle coffee table” — to see what comes up, then based on what terms people are actually using, you can refine your new search.
Pollina: Yeah, learn from other people’s listings.
What’s something that has surprised you about Facebook?
Pollina: It’s a very community-based platform in a way others aren’t. That’s something that we’re personally trying to curate ourselves by opening a studio space that’s not just a place for us to sell secondhand goods, but also a place for our community to come together. We just met someone here who has a massive Facebook group — that would be an amazing way for us as a studio space to collaborate with someone.
Filippi: Facebook is a good place to virtually connect, but then bring that connection in real life.
Content creator
Have you formed any meaningful relationships through Facebook?
My best friend and I met six years ago through a makeup Facebook Group. She added me as a friend, we started messaging, we got to meet up, and the rest is history. That’s my makeup bestie, my best friend in real life, she’s going to be a bridesmaid, and we help each other with creating content.
Speaking of Facebook Groups — in any fun ones?
I’m in so many groups. I am a fragrance lover, so I’m in Fragrance Addict and Sis You Smell Good, which are my favorite groups to be in. I definitely have shelled out so much money since joining those groups. I’m in a lot of makeup ones, and my other guilty pleasure is playing The Sims, so I’m in a group for Sims 4.
Emma Rogue
Content creator and business owner
Best item you’ve scored on Facebook Marketplace?
I found a Jean Paul Gaultier bag for maybe $150 and it was very rare. It was amazing. I also got a haul of JNCO jeans, like four of them, for $150, before JNCO jeans were very popular like they are now.
What’s a pro tip for searching on Facebook Marketplace?
You have to be out of the box when you’re searching. I would try misspelling words or misspelling brand names on purpose — sometimes people don’t know what they have.
Content creator
What’s a piece of advice you’ve given on Facebook that’s been surprisingly controversial?
Whenever I talk about shopping, being smart about your money, and not spending on luxury items in order to build your financial independence, there are always a lot of people in the comments saying, “But I want to live life today because I could die tomorrow.” There definitely has to be a balance. As long as you’re budgeting and paying yourself first, you can still spend, you can still go buy those new shoes. Just discipline yourself to be able to do that.
What’s something memorable a follower has shared with you on Facebook?
A good thing that’s happened is some people who follow my advice are able to buy their first house or pay off debt, or they saw my money hack and they’re like, “Hey, it worked for me!” They come back and tell me these things all the time.
Content creator
Best makeup tip you’ve gotten from a Facebook follower?
If a felt-tip eyeliner pen is dried up and empty, you grab tweezers and can pull out the end and flip it over to continue using it. The other side is pointy and it’s full of ink because it was deep in the cartridge.
What’s a misconception you think younger generations have about Facebook?
That it’s not cool and it’s just for moms and friends’ and family’s personal use, and that there’s no creator economy.
Carly Shapiro
Co-founder of Sistersnacking
What’s something viral you’ve eaten for a video that ended up being better than expected?
Something so many people were posting about right when it opened was Chelsea Living Room. It’s super vibey and every single dish has caviar on it. They’re known for this mozzarella stick with a giant scoop of caviar and I’ve got to say, it really held up. It was so good.
What’s something you love about your Facebook community?
Facebook is so positive. Compared to every other social media app, every video we post will have so much positivity, which I feel like is so rare on social media these days.
Content creator
Have you formed any meaningful relationships through Facebook?
My best friend and I met six years ago through a makeup Facebook Group. She added me as a friend, we started messaging, we got to meet up, and the rest is history. That’s my makeup bestie, my best friend in real life, she’s going to be a bridesmaid, and we help each other with creating content.
Speaking of Facebook Groups — in any fun ones?
I’m in so many groups. I am a fragrance lover, so I’m in Fragrance Addict and Sis You Smell Good, which are my favorite groups to be in. I definitely have shelled out so much money since joining those groups. I’m in a lot of makeup ones, and my other guilty pleasure is playing The Sims, so I’m in a group for Sims 4.
Emma Rogue
Content creator and business owner
Best item you’ve scored on Facebook Marketplace?
I found a Jean Paul Gaultier bag for maybe $150 and it was very rare. It was amazing. I also got a haul of JNCO jeans, like four of them, for $150, before JNCO jeans were very popular like they are now.
What’s a pro tip for searching on Facebook Marketplace?
You have to be out of the box when you’re searching. I would try misspelling words or misspelling brand names on purpose — sometimes people don’t know what they have.
Content creator
What’s a piece of advice you’ve given on Facebook that’s been surprisingly controversial?
Whenever I talk about shopping, being smart about your money, and not spending on luxury items in order to build your financial independence, there are always a lot of people in the comments saying, “But I want to live life today because I could die tomorrow.” There definitely has to be a balance. As long as you’re budgeting and paying yourself first, you can still spend, you can still go buy those new shoes. Just discipline yourself to be able to do that.
What’s something memorable a follower has shared with you on Facebook?
A good thing that’s happened is some people who follow my advice are able to buy their first house or pay off debt, or they saw my money hack and they’re like, “Hey, it worked for me!” They come back and tell me these things all the time.
Content creator
Best makeup tip you’ve gotten from a Facebook follower?
If a felt-tip eyeliner pen is dried up and empty, you grab tweezers and can pull out the end and flip it over to continue using it. The other side is pointy and it’s full of ink because it was deep in the cartridge.
What’s a misconception you think younger generations have about Facebook?
That it’s not cool and it’s just for moms and friends’ and family’s personal use, and that there’s no creator economy.
Carly Shapiro
Co-founder of Sistersnacking
What’s something viral you’ve eaten for a video that ended up being better than expected?
Something so many people were posting about right when it opened was Chelsea Living Room. It’s super vibey and every single dish has caviar on it. They’re known for this mozzarella stick with a giant scoop of caviar and I’ve got to say, it really held up. It was so good.
What’s something you love about your Facebook community?
Facebook is so positive. Compared to every other social media app, every video we post will have so much positivity, which I feel like is so rare on social media these days.
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