Facebook could be aiming to make Google obsolete to its users by introducing its own in-app search engine, Digital Spy reveals.

Under the current version of the service, users must copy and paste weblinks to share articles, but some users are apparently seeing the option to search for articles within their status update box.

The Facebook search engine, which appears to be a trial feature, prioritises news items based on what is trending on social media.

Users involved in the trial have reported that they are able to include status updates, emoji, their location, and more with the articles they share.

The trial is limited to iOS users in the US at present, and Facebook is yet to confirm whether it will be rolled out to its entire user base.

Last month, Facebook began rolling out an update that gives prominent placement to posts from the user's top contacts.