How Facebook Marketplace is Keeping Young People on the Platform

Meta‘S facebook’s influence remains strong globally, but younger users are logging in less. Only 32% of us teens use Facebook today, down from 71% in 2014, according to a 2024 Pew Research Study. However, Facebook’s Resare Platform Marketplace is one reason young people are on the platform.

“I only use Facebook for Marketplace,” Said Mirka Areval, A Student at Buffalo University. “I go in knowing what I want, not just casually browsing.”

Launched in 2016, Facebook Marketplace has grown into one of meta’s biggest success stories. With 1.1 billion users Across 70 Countries, It Compets with Ebay and Craigslist, According to Businessdasher.

“Marketplace is the flea market of the internet,” said charles Lindsay, an associate professor of marketing at the university of buffalo. “There’s a Massive Amount of Consumer-to-Consumer Business.”

Unlike ebay or etsy, marketplace does not charge listing fees, and local pickups help Avoid Shipping Costs, According to Facebook’s Help Center.

“Sellers love that marketplace has no fees,” said jasmine enberg, VP and Principal analyst at emarker. “Introducing Fees Could Push Users Elsewhere.”

Marketplace also taps into the booming resale market, projection to hit $ 350 billion by 2027, according to threadup.

“Younger Buyers are drawn to affordability and sustainability,” Said yoo-kyoung seock, a professor at the college of family and consumer science at the university of georgia. “Marketplace offers bot.”

A key advantage is trust; Users’ Facebook profiles make transactions Feel Safer Than on Anonymous Platforms Like Craigslist, According to SEOCK.

In January 2025, ebay partnered with Facebook marketplaceAllowing select ebay listings to appear on Marketplace in the US, Germany, and France. Analysts Project This will drive an additional $ 1.6 billion in sales for ebay by the end of 2025, according to wells fargo.

“This partnership boots the number of boys and sellers,” said enberg. “It could also solve some of marketplace’s trust issues.”

While Facebook does not charge listing fees, it does take a 10% cut of sales made through its shopping service, according to Facebook’s help center.

Marketplace isn’t a Major Direct Revenue Source, But It Keeps Users Engaged.

“It’s one of the least monetized parts of Facebook,” said enberg. “But it brings in engine, which advertisers value.”

Meta Relies on Ads for Over 97% of Its $ 164.5 Billion Revenue in 2024,

“Marketplace Helps Meta Prove Younger Users Still log in,” said enberg. “Even if they boying and selling instead of scrolling.”

By Keeping Users Engaged, Marketplace Plays A Key Role in Facebook’s Long-Term Strategy, ENSURING The platform remain relevant in a changing digital landscape.

Watch the video to learn more.