Mark Zuckerberg’s priority project is expected to operate outside of Facebook and Instagram, initially without real money, according to The New York Times
Meta is developing an independent prediction app, internally called Arena, as revealed by The New York Times on June 23, 2026.
The project is expected to initially use a point system similar to models found in video games, without involving real money.
The app would also operate separately from Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
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The company, however, intends to leverage the massive audience of these platforms to introduce the new service and attract participants.
Sources heard by the American newspaper claim that Arena is treated as a priority project within Meta.
Meta seeks new growth spaces on the internet
The creation of Arena is part of a broader strategy led by Mark Zuckerberg.
The company intends to develop apps aligned with changes in user behavior and new digital habits.
Meta also seeks to expand its growth possibilities beyond the platforms that currently concentrate its operations.
Data released by the company on April 29, 2026 shows that 3.56 billion people accessed at least one of its services daily during March.
This enormous user base could be used to introduce Arena to the public, even though the app is independent.
The size reached by the current networks has also raised questions about how much Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger can still grow.
Meta’s audience could boost Arena
The strength of the platforms already managed by the company could reduce one of the main obstacles faced by new apps.
A newly launched service typically needs to invest time and resources to build an initial participant base.
Arena, on the other hand, could be promoted to billions of people who already use Meta’s products daily.
This strategy would allow the app to quickly reach a broad audience, despite operating separately from social networks.
Point system would not involve money initially
The Arena is expected to start its activities with a scoring system, according to information published by The New York Times.
Users could make predictions about different events and track the results within the platform.
No real money betting would be offered during the initial phase of the project.
People with knowledge of the initiative, however, state that the possibility of moving financial resources in the future has not been ruled out.
No definitive decision on this potential change has been announced at this time.
Meta was approached by the newspaper, but refused to comment on the development of the app.
Arena may compete with Polymarket and Kalshi
The launch of the app would place Meta in a segment currently occupied by platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi.
These services allow participants to make predictions about sports results, political events, and other occurrences.
The platforms are among the digital services experiencing rapid growth on the internet, as highlighted by The New York Times.
Meta’s global presence could be used to compete for users in this expanding market.
The Arena, however, remains in development and has not yet received an official launch date.
App will be separate from social networks
The proposal foresees that the Arena will not function as an integrated tool with Facebook or Instagram.
The project is expected to have its own app, independent identity, and specific participation dynamics.
Users of Meta’s platforms may be directed to the new service during its possible promotion.
This promotional connection would allow leveraging the existing structure without turning the Arena into an internal function of social networks.
Meta Photos is also being developed
The Arena is not the only independent app being tested by Meta.
The company is also working on Meta Photos, a platform focused on creating new media formats with artificial intelligence.
Both projects show that the company is evaluating products capable of operating outside its traditional social networks.
Meta has not yet officially confirmed when Arena or Meta Photos might be made available to the public.
Will Arena be able to attract users with just points?
The initial proposal differentiates Arena from platforms that allow predictions involving real money.
The points system could make the service more accessible and bring it closer to the dynamics found in digital games.
The ability to attract participants, however, will depend on the final format and how Meta will leverage its global audience.
Do you believe the points system will be enough to make Arena popular, or will the app rely on real money to compete with Polymarket and Kalshi? Share your opinion!
