Facebook testing in-app search engine to stop users from leaving site

Facebook is reportedly testing an internal search engine for its mobile app.

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.

Posting links to Facebook using a smartphone is quite cumbersome and therefore, the update may be aimed at tackling that problem. It could also be related to Facebook's plan to get publishers to post content to its site directly.

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.