Facebook Plans To Rename, Rebrand & Focus On Becoming A Metaverse

Rumours have been swirling in the tech world that Facebook is about to rebrand and change its name in an attempt to cement itself as more than just a social network.
The Verge has reported that founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg is suspected to be announcing the highly anticipated name change at the company’s annual connect conference, which will be held at the end of October.
According to The Verge, the rebrand comes as Zuckerberg wants to diversify the tech company and be known for creating a metaverse, rather than just a social network.
The rebrand will assumedly set Facebook up as just one offering from the tech company, a move that is set to turn Facebook into a metaverse – basically, the company plans to expand its offerings, naturally, the new offerings are yet to revealed.
Interestingly, it seems Facebook has been slowly working towards this move for a while. Currently, it has over 10,000 employees building consumer hardware like AR, indicating Facebook might be gearing up to embrace new technology.
The social network has been around for over fifteen years now and has changed the way people connect worldwide. While the social media platform may be widely criticised, it is also highly used, according to Oberlo, Facebook has 2.80 billion monthly active users.
Facebook has had a controversial few years with allegations mounting that Facebook spreads misinformation. The Times, reported that a report by the advocacy group Avaaz found that if Facebook had acted quicker on changing its algorithms, the tech company could have prevented billions of views on pages that shared misinformation on the US election.
If that wasn’t enough drama for Facebook, there was also a Senate hearing held earlier this month, with the Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen arguing the brand harms young people.
Haugen has previously appeared on the American interview show, 60 minutes, where she revealed her identity and said: “The thing I saw at Facebook over and over again was there were conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook.
“Facebook over and over again chose to optimize for its own interests, like making more money.”
Facebook has denied these allegations.
So perhaps a new name could also be the start of a new image for Facebook, one less known for spreading electoral misinformation. So far the internet seems apprehensive about the rebrand, still, amongst the criticism, there are still fans of the potential change.
Naturally, Twitter has a lot of opinions, many citing Facebook needing to change the way it functions. before it rebrands, Senator, Marsha Blackburn, wrote: “Facebook can change their name, but it doesn’t make a difference until they change their habits of prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of children.”
However, on the other side of the internet crypto coin, some Twitter users have called the move “fearless.”
Facebook can change their name, but it doesn’t make a difference until they change their habits of prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of children.https://t.co/C8KQXQITp7
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) October 20, 2021
You are Facebook. For years, you've had issues with collecting data, mishandling hate speech, and having no respect for your users' privacy. And now a whistleblower has put you in some hot water.
How do you solve…you're just gonna change your name.
Good luck with that?
— TheCHReepy83 (@TheCHR83) October 20, 2021
If you don’t disrupt yourself, someone else will.
Mark Z is fearless. Good for him and his team / shareholders.
“Facebook plans to change company name to focus on the metaverse.” https://t.co/A931sxqpIl
— geoffreywoo Ξ (@geoffreywoo) October 20, 2021
However, in lighter news, Twitter also offers plenty of potential name suggestions, such as Assbook or Big Brother, if the platform does rebrand.
Top 10 Rejected New Facebook Names:
10/ Chris Gaines
9/ Istanbul
8/ New Order
7/ Metta World Peace
6/ Ronald Reagan Airport
5/ KFC
4/ Washington Football Team
3/ Exxon
2/ Darth Vader
1/ The Russian Malware Formerly Known as Facebook— Greg Olear (@gregolear) October 20, 2021
Hearing that Facebook is rebranding so we're doing the same! Moving forward, please refer to the Galactic Empire as the "Galactic Best Friends Alliance" and the Death Star as the "Friendship Moon".
[Don't worry, we will still be doing the same evil stuff!]— Death Star PR (@DeathStarPR) October 21, 2021
Saddled with an increasingly negative public image, Facebook may change its name.
This will be no easy task. After all, SPECTRE, HYDRA and Big Brother are already taken.
— Victor Laszlo (@Impolitics) October 20, 2021
Facebook is going to change its name😮😮
What will be the new name?🤔 Put your best guess in the comments below👇
My best guess: Bacefook🤣
— Shreyans Singh🕹️ (@shreyans512) October 20, 2021
When Facebook announces a possible name change and Assbook is trending…… pic.twitter.com/VonxcRCHRr
— Playoff Hopeful Doug (@dwoverdrive) October 20, 2021
Dear Facebook:
We've received your request to change your name. However, due to our real names policy, you will first need to fax us a copy of your court order and new driver's license….
— Ina Fried (@inafried) October 20, 2021
Zuckerberg has yet to comment.
Featured image source: iStock/David Tran
Latest News

B&T’s Search For Australia’s Greatest Ad Part 5!
B&T's vote for Australia's greatest-ever ad is much like the recent referendum sans the mudslinging and Kamahl.

“Cut The Crap!” Piers Morgan Sensationally Outs “Royal Racists” On His TV Show
The corgis, anyone in the Palace with a funny hat & even Camilla off the hook, as Piers delivers royal racist dirt.

Wednesday TV Ratings: 365,000 Sign Up To Watch The Last EVER Hot Seat on Nine
Mrs McGuire reportedly unhappy about Eddie loafing about the house after Nine cans Hot Seat.

B&T’s Search For Australia’s Greatest Ad Heads To Channel 7
B&T went through the looking glass this morning, with editor-in-chief David Hovenden (above) appearing on Channel 7’s The Morning Show to get the general public involved in our search for Australia’s Greatest Ad. Hovenden chatted with Kylie Gillies and stand-in host Matt Doran about what makes a great ad and showcasing some of our favourites […]

It’s The Best Of The Best – Directors Of First Impressions, Presented By Finecast, Part Of GroupM Nexus
They're the ones with the best hair and the whitest teeth! Yes, it's adland's top 10 directors of first impressions.

Opinion: The Tall Poppy’s Kate Smither On The DBA Dilemma
The science is not in question – smarter people than I, with far more data, have codified it. The logic is not up for grabs…it makes sense that creating mental shortcuts to your brand keeps you at the top of your mind. Lead image: Kate Smither – Owner, The Tall Poppy I wouldn’t even take […]

Ortto & Tall Bob Partner To Deliver Better SMS & MMS For Australian & NZ Businesses
Two Australian-born technology providers have joined forces to bring more power and choice to marketers in Australia and New Zealand with mobile messaging that is more local, cost-effective, and integrated. It’s a partnership that sees two Australian software companies come together to deliver a world-class mobile-first solution for marketers building data-driven, personalised, omnichannel campaigns. While […]

PubMatic Nabs Luke Smith From Seven West Media
Seven's Luke Smith quits for PubMatic. Apparently still in line for one of James Warburton's annual Christmas hams.

Slew Of New Hires At Snap Inc.
Snap Inc. has announced a number of new recruits. B&T unaware if it positively impacted SEEK's share price.

Michael McLacren Confirmed As Deb Knight Replacement For 2GB Afternoons
Think AM radio has a bit of an angry boys' club feel? It's not improving things with this news.

Reddit Gets Playful Brand Refresh
This will be of interest to any Reddit fans, graphic designers or lovers of an orange so bright it burns the retinas.

World Square Counts Down To Christmas With Sydney’s Biggest Advent Calendar
Hopefully this news will get you in the Christmas spirit. Either that or go and stand in Westfields for nine hours.

Zitcha & Broadsign Partner To Drive Global In-Store Retail Media Market
Zitcha and Broadsign have teamed up to integrate the Broadsign out-of-home (OOH) advertising platform with Zitcha’s retail media platform. The collaboration empowers retailers to maximise and monetise in-store digital display networks and enables advertising partners to easily view and book available in-store inventory and review campaign performance alongside the retailer’s other media channels. With the […]

Ignite the Thrill: National Drag Racing Championship Unleashes Media Campaign Via Murmur Group
If there's one sport in the world that's thumbing its nose at global emissions, it's probably drag racing.

Rethink Ink: Is It About Time You Reconsidered Print?
Print's not merely an excellent vehicle for brands, it's also perfect for getting the barbecue alight for the sausages.

Double Rainbouu & 7-Eleven Launch Exclusive Summer Fashion Label
Today, 7-Eleven has announced a one-of-a-kind collaboration with the popular Sydney-based anti-resort wear label Double Rainbouu. Dropping tomorrow, December 1, just in time for summer, this limited-edition capsule will infuse the fashion brand’s rebellious spirit with a distinctly iconic 7-Eleven flavour. The unisex collection features five must-have styles comprising two signature Hawaiian shirts, a peaked cap, a bucket hat […]

Cannes In Cairns Media Accreditation Open Now!
Work in media? Want to cover next year's Cannes In Cairns? There'll be no free piña coladas without this form.

In-House Agency Council Research Report: 78% Of Marketers Now Work With An In-House Agency
In-housing is definitely an industry hot button topic. Admittedly still a long way behind office affairs.

OMA Announces Winners Of The Q3 Creative Collection Competition
Who doesn't love the out of home medium? Apart from the very real chance of being shat on by a bird.

JOLT Launches Industry First In-App Advertising Solution
Do you drive an EV more for its bragging potential than anything environmental? You may enjoy this electric news.

Ideally Nabs Simon Gawn From Denomination
Denomination's Simon Gawn jumps ship to Ideally. Apparently his farewell from his barista was very touching.

SurfStitch Unveils New Brand Position & Summer Campaign
Did that winter diet not result in the beach body you so hoped? Read this surfwear article with caution.

Man Of Many Welcomes Naman Singh & Alex Martinez
If Man Of Many's hold music isn't Metallica's "The Shortest Straw", it bloody well should be.

realestate.com.au Extends Major Partnership With Sydney Swans
Australian property site realestate.com.au has announced the extension of its partnership with the Sydney Swans for two further seasons. Lead image: Tom Harley, Owen Wilson and Tom McCartin realestate.com.au has partnered with the Swans since 2016 and has called the back of the club’s iconic guernsey home since becoming a major partner in 2020. This […]

Tuesday TV Ratings: “There Are Too Few Episodes” – Dessert Masters Finale Leave Viewers Wanting More
Dessert Masters finale reportedly leaves viewers wanting more. Weight Watchers also keeping a keen eye on things.

Avenue C Nabs Paula Lopes From KINESSO
Leading independent media agency, Avenue C, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Paula Lopes as Digital Director. Paula, a seasoned professional with over 17 years experience in the media industry, joins Avenue C from her role as Chief Operations Manager of KINESSO (merger of Reprise, Matterkind, and Kinesso specialities).

Dave ‘Rabbit’ Rabbetts Departs Star 104.5 Breakfast
Dave 'Rabbit' Rabbetts departs Star 104.5 breakfast. Has asked everyone call him Dave for a little bit.

MOO Premium Foods Admits “100% Ocean Plastics” Claims Misled Consumers
Yoghurt brand in strife over green claims. Meanwhile Mars Bars still getting away with "helps you work, rest & play".

IAB Study: Online Advertising Expenditure Hit $3.73B For September Quarter
Digital continuing to be advertising's star performer. Although that's not intended as a slur to the humble catalogue.

More Than 15,000 Watch On YouTube As An Emotional Brittany Higgins Takes The Stand
One of the biggest stories of 2023 looking like it's heading into 2024. Has the legs to even make 2025.

oOh!Media Fuses People & Performance At National Annual Revenue & Growth Conference
oOh!media brought together more than 260 of its sales, operations, commercial, marketing, finance and leadership teams last week for its national annual revenue and growth conference. Held over two days at the picturesque Rydges Resort in Hunter Valley, the event ‘Fusing people and performance’ focussed on how to build a high-performance mindset and how it […]

The End Of An Era: Millionaire Hot Seat Comes To A Close After 25 Years
Eddie McGuire set to become even more annoying after his game show hosting gig comes to an end.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: These Are The Moments That Dominated Media Coverage In 2023
It's 2023's biggest news stories counted down! And whoever wrote it clearly didn't miss out out Taylor Swift tickets.

Free-To-Air TV Welcomes Landmark Win Against Streaming Giants
It's a win for the free-to-air networks this morning. However, it's not stopped the incessant squabbling between them.

KFC Spoofs Fragrance Ads With Its Own Unisex Scent Shaped Like A Drumstick
Want stray dogs to follow you home after a night out? This chicken-inspired scent could be just the ticket.

Jimmy Hyett Drops By B&T TV To Talk Christmas Presents, AI & Basketball
Have you ever met a Jimmy you didn't like? Confirm it here with the eminently likeable Jimmy Hyett's B&T TV debut.