Facebook Timeline For Brand Pages Mandatory Starting Today

Facebook first unveiled the Timeline feature back in September for users and companies. Brands have been cautious to use the new layout, with some dipping their toe in while others have avoided it. Today, Facebook will make Timeline for Pages mandatory, starting at 11am PST.

Facebook has warned those using Pages to make sure they've updated accordingly, asking Page admins to add cover photos and milestones. The social networking company has also put together an eight page PDF guide to Pages.

After today, all brand Pages will be forced to use Timeline. The new format has its pros and cons, although one highlight for those who want to make an impression is the ability to use a high resolution image at the top of their Page to promote their product. Brands can also pin stories at the top of their feed for up to seven days if there's a particularly newsworthy item.

Just to be clear, this is a mandatory change for brands using Pages: the change isn't affecting every single user profile on Facebook. Individuals can still choose to opt-in to Timeline, but once they make the change, there's no going back to the original profile layout.

[via ZDNet]