Meta is developing a new prediction markets application as CEO Mark Zuckerberg looks to expand the company's presence beyond social media and artificial intelligence, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter.

The proposed platform, currently being developed by a small internal team, would allow users to predict the outcomes of future events ranging from politics and business to sports and entertainment. The project is reportedly being built as a standalone mobile application rather than being integrated directly into Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp.

Sources familiar with the initiative said Zuckerberg has personally backed the effort, reflecting Meta's growing interest in emerging digital products that encourage user engagement through forecasting and real-time participation.

The reported move comes as prediction markets continue to gain popularity worldwide. These platforms enable users to make forecasts about future events, with rankings or rewards determined by the accuracy of those predictions. Interest in the sector has increased sharply over the past two years as more users seek alternative ways to engage with news, elections, financial markets and major global events.

Meta's planned application is expected to initially operate using a points-based system rather than real-money transactions. Users would earn points for accurate predictions, creating a competitive environment focused on forecasting skills. Reports suggest that additional features could be explored in future versions of the platform.

The development effort signals Meta's latest attempt to diversify its product portfolio as competition intensifies across the technology sector. While the company remains one of the world's largest social media operators, it has increasingly invested in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, digital creators and emerging online experiences.

The prediction markets initiative also arrives at a time when technology companies are searching for new ways to increase user engagement beyond traditional social networking features. Platforms centered on participation, community interaction and real-time events have become increasingly attractive as user behavior continues to evolve.

Industry interest in prediction markets has accelerated significantly, with several specialized platforms reporting increased activity surrounding elections, sporting events and economic developments. The growth has attracted attention from investors and technology firms looking to capitalize on the trend.

Despite the opportunity, prediction markets remain a closely watched sector. Regulatory authorities in several regions have raised concerns about compliance, market integrity and the potential impact of event-based forecasting platforms. Any large-scale entry by Meta could place additional attention on how such services operate and are regulated.

Meta has not publicly commented on the reported project. As with many experimental initiatives inside the company, there is no confirmation regarding a launch date or whether the application will ultimately be released to the public.

The report nevertheless highlights Meta's continued efforts to identify emerging digital trends and build products around them. If the project moves forward, it could position the company in direct competition with established prediction market platforms while introducing the concept to a significantly larger global audience.

The development marks another strategic move by Zuckerberg as Meta continues to expand beyond its traditional social media roots and pursue new opportunities in rapidly evolving areas of the digital economy.