Social media platform Nextdoor announced Tuesday that it will be introducing “active valued communities,” which, similar to Facebook, will include testing connections with other users, profile pages, and an updated algorithm.
Now, when a new user joins the platform, Nextdoor will notify all existing users in the neighborhood that someone new has moved in, similar to Facebook’s friend recommendations. Instead, it will call the feature “Neighbors You May Know.” Users now also have the option to make a “celebratory reaction” by sending virtual gifts such as flowers or cookies to new users.
Connections between users are now available as well, although it is unclear if one user’s connections will be visible to other users, as often is the case with Facebook friends. These connections’ posts will be highlighted across any given user’s feed.
Previously, the platform only asked for a user’s name and photo to begin posting. This new announcement allows for the creation of profiles with biographies and preferred pronouns.
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In addition, the platform will create a new algorithm that will produce “a more relevant feed.” Rather than seeing a random assortment of posts by neighbors living nearby, the platform will show users “neighborhoods that matter” to them. In the future, Nextdoor promised that the product will “evolve” and “will further reflect [users’] day-to-day life and feel more relevant, active, and fresh.”
Nextdoor Chief Product Officer Kiran Prasad said the update is aligned with the platform’s original vision.
“Nextdoor’s vision is to inspire active neighbors and organizations to continuously exchange value, utility, and community for all,” Prasad said. “By focusing our product strategy around building an active valued community, we can help create a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood both online and offline.”
Prasad created these new strategies after researching neighborhood insights, according to a press release. Prasad joined the platform last year after working for LinkedIn.
Nextdoor is a social media website that creates news feeds for neighborhoods without the need for neighbors to connect with each other. The platform allows for direct messaging and comments while also boasting an online marketplace to sell things to nearby users.
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Earlier this month, Facebook’s stock value decreased by 26%, or 85 points, the largest single-day decline of any U.S. company in history. Meta, the platform’s parent company, lost roughly $220 billion on Feb. 3.
