Prime Highlights:
Facebook Marketplace, launched in 2016, now boasts 1.1 billion users in 70 countries, rivaling platforms like eBay and Craigslist.
Unlike competitors, Marketplace doesn’t charge listing fees, making it attractive for both buyers and sellers.
Key Background:
Meta’s Facebook platform continues to maintain a strong global presence, though younger users are logging in less frequently. According to a 2024 Pew Research study, only 32% of U.S. teens use Facebook today, a sharp decline from 71% in 2014. Despite this, Facebook’s resale platform, Marketplace, is helping retain younger users by providing a valuable, user-friendly experience.
Launched in 2016, Facebook Marketplace has grown into one of Meta’s most successful ventures, with over 1.1 billion users in 70 countries. Marketplace has become a significant competitor to established platforms such as eBay and Craigslist, offering a wide range of consumer-to-consumer transactions. Its ease of use and absence of listing fees make it particularly appealing, as local pickups help avoid shipping costs. As noted by Jasmine Enberg, VP and Principal Analyst at eMarketer, the absence of fees is a key factor that keeps users engaged.
In addition to cost-effectiveness, Marketplace taps into the booming resale market, which is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027. This market is particularly attractive to younger users who are drawn to both affordability and sustainability. According to Yoo-Kyoung Seock, a professor at the University of Georgia, the platform’s integration with Facebook profiles enhances trust, making transactions feel safer than on anonymous platforms like Craigslist.
In January 2025, eBay partnered with Facebook Marketplace to showcase select eBay listings in the U.S., Germany, and France. This collaboration is expected to drive $1.6 billion in sales for eBay by the end of the year, further expanding the platform’s reach and boosting its credibility. While Marketplace is not a major direct revenue source for Meta, it plays a crucial role in maintaining user engagement, which is highly valued by advertisers. This engagement is key to ensuring Facebook’s continued relevance in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
