Facebook said today it's rolling out a live audio tool that will be available first to public figures and select groups in the US, taking on rivals Clubhouse, Twitter and Spotify.
CNet reports the world's largest social network, like other tech companies, has been investing more in audio features after the medium grew in popularity following the launch of invite-only audio app Clubhouse in 2020. Twitter, Discord, Reddit and Spotify have also unveiled rival products.
The social media site also said it's adding podcasts that Facebook users will be able to listen to on their NewsFeed or a Facebook Page by clicking on a mini player or full-screen player.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg offered a peek at the new tool, called live audio rooms, last week, and it looks identical to Clubhouse. Hosts of the live audio room, available on Apple devices, will be able to invite speakers to join in on the conversation. Up to 50 speakers are allowed in a live audio room, and there isn't a limit to the number of listeners. Facebook users who manage groups, online spaces where people on the social network gather to chat about various topics, will have control over which members, administrators and moderators can start a live audio room. Hosts can also select a nonprofit or fundraisers that live audio room participants can donate to and support.
To find a live audio room, Facebook users on Android and Apple devices will get notifications or come across them on their News Feeds or in groups. Live audio room users can enable live captions, raise their hands to participate as in Clubhouse and use emojis to react during the conversation. Listeners who purchase "stars" to give to the public figure will be bumped up to the "front row," a section that highlights supporters.
Facebook said it's partnered with several celebrities and public figures who are expected to host live audio chats. Grammy-nominated electronic music artist Tokimonsta, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, producer and independent journalist Rosa Clemente, streamer and entertainer Omareloff and social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen are expected to host live audio chats.
Podcasts that will be available on Facebook 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. Facebook said it's rolling out captions and a way to create and share short clips from a podcast later in the summer.
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