Meta announces the removal of the Like and Comment buttons from third-party websites by 2026, marking the end of an era for one of the internet's most iconic features. However, Facebook’s Like button will remain on its platform.
 |
| Meta is retiring the Facebook Like and Comment buttons from external websites by 2026, marking a major shift in online engagement tools and reflecting changes in privacy and technology trends. Image: CH |
Tech Desk – November 15, 2025:
Facebook’s Like button, a digital icon that has defined online interactions for over 16 years, is set to phase out from external websites by 2026. Starting February 10, 2026, Meta will no longer support its Like and Comment plug-ins on third-party sites, including blogs, news outlets, and e-commerce platforms. This marks the end of an era for one of the internet’s most recognizable features, but Facebook users need not worry: the Like button will continue to function as usual on Facebook itself.
Meta’s decision to retire these external tools is part of a broader effort to streamline its developer tools and focus on modern, privacy-conscious innovations. When the Like button was first launched in 2009, it revolutionized digital communication, providing a simple way for users to express approval, appreciation, and support. Over time, it became a cultural symbol of engagement and popularity. However, in recent years, its role on websites outside of Facebook has diminished significantly.
Meta attributed the decision to evolving privacy laws, shifting data-sharing policies, and the rapid rise of competing social platforms. In this new landscape, Meta believes it no longer makes sense to maintain these older plug-ins, especially as online engagement moves toward more fragmented, app-centric environments.
The retirement of the Like button from external websites reflects a broader shift in both user behavior and technology trends. The digital space is now more decentralized than ever, with people engaging on multiple social platforms—TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)—each with its own form of engagement. Meanwhile, concerns around privacy and data security have escalated, leading to stricter regulations and changes in how tech companies operate.
As a result, Meta has decided to focus on newer tools and innovations that better align with the demands of the modern digital age. The company’s emphasis is shifting toward private interactions, AI-driven content, and virtual reality, areas where it sees greater potential for growth.
The removal of the Like button from external websites is symbolic of how internet culture has evolved. In 2009, the Like button wasn’t just a tool—it became a key metric for measuring content popularity. It defined online behavior, shaped how brands marketed their products, and even influenced societal norms around validation and success. But with the rise of algorithm-driven platforms and more sophisticated means of engagement, the Like button’s significance has waned.
Privacy has become one of the most pressing issues for tech companies today. Meta’s decision to retire the Like plug-ins can also be seen as a response to global calls for greater data protection. As new regulations come into play, Meta must adapt its tools to remain compliant while meeting the expectations of users and developers alike.
While Meta is retiring the Like and Comment buttons from external websites, the feature will remain active within Facebook’s own ecosystem, allowing users to continue interacting with content in the familiar way they’ve done for years. However, the company’s future will likely see more emphasis on AI, personalized experiences, and innovations that can offer richer, more meaningful engagement.
With younger audiences increasingly flocking to newer platforms, Meta’s strategy appears to center on refining Facebook’s role in the broader digital ecosystem. This change is not just about retiring an old tool but about focusing on what’s next for social media and how companies can meet the evolving needs of an increasingly fragmented user base.
Meta’s decision to phase out the Like button from external websites represents more than a technical update—it signals a cultural shift in how we interact online. The Like button, which once dominated online communication, is now a relic of an earlier era, giving way to new forms of engagement that reflect the rapidly changing nature of technology, privacy, and social media. The digital world of 2025 is markedly different from that of 2009, and as Meta adjusts its strategy, the removal of the Like button is a clear indication that the internet is in the midst of yet another major transformation.