Key Highlights:
- Facebook is launching a new “Audio” destination in its mobile app in the United States, where users will be able to explore all of the audio formats.
- According to Facebook, the new destination would assist creators in getting their programs discovered.
- Facebook has stated that the feature has been discovered to work as a lightweight means of connection and conversation across communities.
Exploring audio formats with Facebook
Facebook is increasing its commitment to audio efforts with the debut of a new “Audio” destination in its mobile app in the United States, where users will be able to explore all of the audio formats hosted by Facebook, including podcasts, Live Audio Rooms, and short-form audio, in one location. The business also claims it’s making its Clubhouse competitor, Live Audio Rooms, more widely available to worldwide customers, and it’s starting to roll out a new product called Soundbites, which is similar to TikTok for audio and offers short audio snippets.
An early version of the new Audio destination has been sent out to all Facebook users (18 and above) in the United States across both iOS and Android, but it is only now being formally revealed. It’s accessible via the top menu of Watch, Facebook’s video center – a design choice that feels a bit out of place considering that audio material is supposed to be listened to, not “watched.”
Assisting creators
According to the firm, the new destination would assist creators in getting their programs discovered, while Facebook users will be able to locate audio material from beloved creators, discover new ones, and retrieve stuff they had saved for later. At launch, the Audio area will contain material from artists you currently follow, as well as tailored recommendations and suggestions of additional audio that’s popular on Facebook.
As you interact with the audio material and follow more producers, the destination will become increasingly customized to your own likes and interests.
In conjunction with this launch, Facebook provided an update on its efforts to provide access to more of its audio products.
A lightweight means of connection and communication
This spring, Facebook released a slew of new audio services, including a Clubhouse rival called Live Audio Rooms, a short-form audio product called Soundbites, and podcast support. It also collaborated with Spotify on a new mini player that broadcasts music from the music provider to Facebook users.
Live Audio Rooms were first made available in June to U.S. public figures in good standing with Facebook, as well as certain Facebook Groups. Since then, Facebook has stated that the feature has been discovered to work as a lightweight means of connection and conversation across communities, where it has been adopted by creators such as Lil Huddy, Noah, and Miley Cyrus, quarterback Russell Wilson, singer Becky G, comedian Sherry Cola, Mereba Music, and others.
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