Facebook's In App Search Engine Test Trial To Stop User From Leaving Site

Social networking site Facebook is testing an internal search engine for its mobile app that will help users find websites and articles to add to their status updates without logging into Google.

For now, a few iOS users are seeing an "add a link" option next to the buttons to add photos, locations, and feelings. After users enter a keyword in the search bar, Facebook suggests related news articles to post. However, it is not clear if the update will be available to everyone, reported The Verge.

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Once you feed a query, Facebook will show a list of matching website links you may like to share. It also allows you to preview what is on those websites and let you select one to add it to your status with a caption.

The "Add A Link" button could get users sharing more news and other publisher-made content. The trial, currently available to a small group in the US.

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By hosting content and allowing users to search for stories in its own app, Facebook is not just trying to make it easier to read and share content but also preventing people from leaving the website.