Facebook also rolls out other changes to the profile page, including temporary profile pictures and centered layout.
Our Facebook profiles have become virtual extensions of our identity. No wonder then that Facebook is giving it a major overhaul to go with its larger product plans, primarily the push towards video. The new Facebook profile pages, which has started rolling out to some iOS users in the United Kingdom and California, will bring include profile videos which will replace profile pictures. “The world has changed since we first introduced profiles in 2004. On News Feed and profiles, we’re seeing people create and view more videos than ever before. Today we’re starting to test the next step in an obvious evolution of profiles: profile videos. Soon, you’ll be able to film a short, looping video clip that will play for anyone who visits your profile,” a blog post on the Facebook newsfeed said.
That is not all, there will also be a feature to shift to a temporary profile picture that reverts back to the original at a specific time. “It can be a visual status update to let your friends know what’s going on in your life today, or it can be your statement of solidarity for a cause you feel strongly about,” said the post, underlining how 26 million people used the celebrate pride picture.
There will also be a “a new customisable space at the top of your profile” for users to curate and convey “what you want people to know about you”. There is also a new, one-line ‘Bio’ field that lets users select certain public About fields like work and education. “While this space is visible to anyone who visits your profile, you have full control of what information appears here,” the post added. Facebook is also shifting to a centered layout for the profile picture (or video) which are now a bit more bigger. “Photos and friends are right at the top, making getting to know someone and seeing the world through your friends’ eyes as easy as scrolling,” said the post.