Facebook Groups are getting a major update that makes them feel more like Reddit or Discord. Meta has introduced nicknames, a feature that lets users post under a custom username inside a group instead of using their real name.
Previously, users relied on anonymous posting, which hides their identity but also prevents other members from recognizing them or following their activity. Nicknames create middle ground, privacy without losing personality.
Meta says the new feature is ideal for groups where members want privacy but still want to build a familiar presence. It also marks a notable shift away from Facebook’s long history of enforcing real-name identity on the platform.
Once a nickname is set, users can post, comment, and react under that name, though group admins, moderators, and Facebook can still see their real profile. Other group members can view the user’s post history, comments, and reactions from the last seven days under that nickname.
Facebook will suggest nicknames, but users can choose their own as long as they follow the platform’s Community Standards and aren’t already taken by someone else in that group. Users can also pick a profile picture and background color for their nickname.
To access the feature, members can find the option beside “Post anonymously” when creating a post. Nicknames can be turned off anytime, but changing a nickname only happens once every two days. When changed, the new nickname retroactively appears on old posts and comments, but only within the group it belongs to.
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Some restrictions apply: nickname users can’t use Live Video, share certain types of content, or send private messages. They can, however, block others by nickname.
The feature is available globally but must be enabled by group admins before members can use it.
