In April, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced his platform's plans for a suite of audio products, including integrated chat rooms to take on rivals Twitter Spaces and Clubhouse. And based on that announcement, Facebook has begun rolling out its new Live Audio Rooms option, as well as in-app podcast detection and playback. For starters, the Live Audio Rooms feature is open on iOS to certain public figures and Facebook groups in the United States.
50 speakers and unlimited listeners
(Image credit: Facebook) In a blog post, the social media platform said: "Facebook Live Audio Rooms let you discover, listen to, and participate in live conversations with public figures, experts, and experts. Others on topics you are interested in. Public figures can invite friends, followers, verified public figures, or any listener in the room to be a speaker. Host can invite speakers ahead of time or during the conversation. Can invite speakers ahead of time or during the conversation. conversation. Have up to 50 speakers, and there is no limit to the number of listeners." On your Facebook Page, live audio rooms started by the people and/or groups you follow will appear at the top of your Facebook News Feed, above the Stories panel. During the session, users will also be notified when friends or subscribers join the chat. Facebook users can receive alerts about new live audio rooms through the news and notifications feed. They can sign up to receive alerts when a piece they're interested in is activated. Live audio rooms will also be visible in Facebook groups, if applicable. The user interface of Facebook Audio Rooms bears a similarity to the Clubhouse and Twitter spaces, with profile pictures of the hosts in the room at the top, then the listeners at the bottom. Facebook said: "Listeners can also offer support and show appreciation to the Live Audio Room public figure host by submitting stars, which propels those listeners to the 'front row.' The 'front row' is a special section that highlights who's sent stars, so hosts can acknowledge followers (and maybe even greet them during the chat!) Listeners can buy Star packs during the chat and send them at any time."
Facebook says its audio journey is just beginning
(Image credit: Facebook) Facebook has named the "select group" that will offer chat in Live Audio Rooms in the United States. It includes, among others, Grammy-nominated electronic music artist TOKiMONSTA, American football players Russell Wilson, freelance journalist Rosa Clemente, digital artist Omareloff, and social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen. Aside from that, Facebook is also officially rolling out its new podcast support options, which will allow users to discover and listen to podcasts without ever leaving the app. “People can listen to podcasts while browsing Facebook, through a mini player or a full screen player with playback options, even with the phone screen turned off. People can listen to some podcasters on their Facebook pages as well as News Feed," he said. Facebook also noted that there is more to come on its audio journey. "...it's just the beginning of our audio journey . Going forward, we are working with creators who will use our audio tools to develop and release Soundbites – short, creative audio clips.” She said.