Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has released its third-quarter report, providing valuable insights into its performance. The company reported revenue exceeding $34 billion for the quarter, indicating a 23% increase from last year. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, emphasized the company’s focus on “efficiency” during discussions with analysts. This approach has led to a significant reduction in the workforce by over 20,000 employees in the past year, which Zuckerberg views as effective in navigating an ever-changing world.
In terms of user base, Meta’s platforms continue to thrive. Facebook maintains its lead in monthly active users, with a staggering 3.05 billion users, showcasing an increase from the previous year. When considering the broader Meta family, which includes Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, the combined monthly user base exceeds 3.9 billion users.
Meta’s efforts to promote Threads, a messaging app, seem to be paying off. The app currently has close to 100 million monthly active users, and Zuckerberg is optimistic about its future, envisioning a good chance for Threads to reach 1 billion users within the next few years. During the third-quarter earnings call, Zuckerberg expressed the importance of creating a billion-person public conversation app that fosters positivity, a vision he believes can be achieved if they stay on their current path for a few more years.
Furthermore, Meta is placing increased emphasis on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Zuckerberg stated that the company will be deprioritizing non-AI projects to shift resources towards AI. This strategic decision reflects Meta’s commitment to harnessing AI’s potential.
However, Meta’s investments in the metaverse will not be affected by the focus on AI. The company’s division responsible for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), known as Reality Labs, faced setbacks during the quarter. Revenue dropped to $210 million, and losses soared to $3.7 billion, surpassing $11 billion since the beginning of 2023.
Despite this challenge, Meta remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and continuing its pursuit of innovative technologies. The company’s third-quarter report showcases its growth, increasing revenue, and ongoing commitment to shaping the digital landscape.
