If you consider Marketplace its own product it’s a massive win but they haven’t monetized it beyond some very ineffective post boosting and advertising. I honestly think they could charge 10% of list price for items over $50, plus membership levels that reduce or remove listing fees. and make a significant amount of money.

I am so disappointed that Marketplace killed craigslist. Marketplace search is awful. It is probably the worst shopping I have experienced.

Did it though?

The disappointment needs to be directed at Craigslist, which sat on its hands and let FB eat their lunch.

And while FB marketplace search kinda sucks the algorithm is supremely effective at surfacing listings based on your searches and activity.

I use marketplace to search for cars, and the algorithm is beyond frustrating. I just want some decent filters. How a company that big can create something so terrible is beyond me.

Nah if that happens we all go back to craigslist or wherever.

true. It's like the the only reason I open FB anymore....craigslist that isn't a PITA.

Oddly enough - facebook groups are not terrible for very niche hobbies. Not sure what makes them attractive, but the groups are there. Thinking about it - there is really no alternative. My Retro Computing group is there, car owners group is there, very niche metal bands' posters group is there.

And WhatsApp and Instagram were acquisitions, not creations.