Facebook launches social audio and podcasts

Facebook has rolled out Live Audio Rooms and podcasts in America as part of its plans to bring social audio experiences to its social media platform.

Public figures and some Facebook Groups can create social audio content via Live Audio Rooms on iOS.

The features are eventually expected to be rolled out in Australia.

Podcasts will also soon be available.

Live Audio Rooms enable users to discover, listen in on and join live conversations with public figures, experts and others about topics they are interested in. Public figures can invite friends, followers, verified public figures, or any listeners in the room to be a speaker. There can be up to 50 speakers, and there is no limit to the number of listeners.

Live Audio Room hosts can also select a nonprofit or fundraiser to support during their conversation, and listeners and speakers can directly donate.

Live Audio Rooms are accessible via news feed and notifications, and alerts are available to notify of new sessions. Likes and other facebook interactions are available on the audio platform.

Facebook has partnered with public figures such as:

  • Grammy-nominated electronic music artist TOKiMONSTA, who will discuss female excellence and overcoming obstacles
  • American football quarterback Russell Wilson, who will talk about how to train your mind like an elite athlete
  • Organizer, producer, independent journalist and scholar-activist Rosa Clemente will host a discussion around affirming Blackness in the Latinx community
  • Professional esports player and internet personality Omareloff
  • Social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen

The function is also available within Facebook Groups for members to share audio experiences.

An initial slate of podcasts on the platform will include Joe Budden of The Joe Budden Podcast; “Jess Hilarious” of Carefully Reckless from The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartRadio; Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek of the LadyGang; and Nicaila Matthews Okome of Side Hustle Pro.

People can listen to podcasts while browsing Facebook, via a miniplayer or full-screen player experience with playback options, including with their phone display turned off.

People can listen to select podcast creators on their Facebook Pages, as well as in their news feed. Additional features such as captions and the ability to create and share short clips like the former Rewind Radio service will be  added over time.

 
   


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