Technology

Meta Platforms Advances AI Video Recommendation Engine Across All Services

Published March 7, 2024

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook, is actively working on an advanced AI model to improve video recommendations on its various platforms. The details were made public by Tom Alison, head of Facebook, during a recent tech conference hosted by Morgan Stanley in San Francisco.

Unified AI for Enhanced Video Discovery

The development signifies a strategic upgrade from Meta's prior methodology, which involved utilizing distinct AI models for different services. With its unified AI model, Meta aims to offer a seamless and sophisticated video discovery experience for users, catering to short-form TikTok-like formats through Reels as well as traditional long-form video content.

Meta's decision to amplify its AI capabilities is backed by substantial investments in Nvidia's GPUs, which are essential to accelerating and scaling up their AI systems. Alison highlighted the transition to GPUs as a pivotal move that has already induced an 8% to 10% increase in Reels viewership within the Facebook app.

Meta's AI Strategy in Progress

The company's AI journey commenced by transitioning its recommendation algorithms onto GPU platforms, boosting performance. It then proceeded to revamp the system's architecture, which accrued initial benefits such as enhanced Reels watch times. Currently, Meta is in its third phase, working on validating the novel technology and planning to extend it across multiple product lines. Furthermore, their existing GPU resources are set to support a range of generative AI projects, including the development of digital assistants.

The Bigger Picture for Meta

This AI initiative by Meta arrives amidst a transformative phase for the company. Reports earlier in the week discussed the ongoing perforamnce evaluations of Meta employees, spurring speculations about potential layoffs. Despite these organizational challenges, the tech giant posted a notable increase in its fourth-quarter revenue, surpassing expectations with $40.11 billion in earnings. Such financial achievements reflect Meta's capacity to innovate and invest heavily in future tech.

Meta, Facebook, AI