Facebook can now translate your posts into other languages
You don't need to be bilingual to post in other languages on Facebook.
The social network is testing a new AI-powered tool that allows people to simultaneously post updates in multiple languages. Facebook previously made this tool available to page owners earlier this year but is now beginning to test it more broadly.
The tool, which is on desktop only for now, lets you select multiple languages when you compose a new update. Your words will be automatically translated to the languages you select and your followers will only see the update in their preferred language.
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Of course, as anyone who has ever used translation software before knows, automatically generated translations aren't always perfect. They're not even often perfect. However, if you do happen to speak the language you wish to post in, you can tweak the translated version of your update yourself.
The new feature, which has been available to those who manage pages, is still in a testing phase, but those who have access can enable it in the language section of their account settings.
Behind the scenes, the new tool is powered by the same technology behind Facebook's in-line translations. (You can read more about the technical process of the update on Facebook's blog.) Though the new composer tool is still experimental, Facebook says multilingual posts will help train its translation software to improve translations throughout Facebook.
Translations are increasingly important as the social network ramps up its investment in artificial intelligence. Half of Facebook's users don't speak English, according to the company, so personalizing content to each user's language preferences is increasingly important. Facebook-owned Instagram also plans to offer translations for its posts in the coming weeks.
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Topics Facebook Social Media
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
