Facebook’s new test allows people to have up to five profiles

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Facebook will allow some users to have multiple profiles as part of a test, signalling a major shift as Meta looks for new ways to encourage users to stay on the platform.

Some Facebook users will be able to create up to four additional profiles with the help of the test. One for friends, one for co-workers, and others can all be used for different purposes. With a few clicks, users will be able to switch between profiles.

The account as a whole will be affected by violations on one profile according to Leonard Lam.

A way for people to have more than one profile tied to a single Facebook account is being tested. People who use Facebook must follow the rules.

If the stand-in doesn't violate the platform's policies, users who create extra profiles won't need to use their real identities. The rule that account holders must use the name they use in real life has been a point of contention for a long time.

The platform is fighting to keep users, especially young people, as threats like TikTok keep growing. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the company lost daily users for the first time.