Facebook Launches Audio Hub in the US | Podcasts & Live Audio

Facebook Expands Audio Offerings with New Hub

Facebook is significantly increasing its focus on audio content. A new “Audio” destination is being launched within the Facebook mobile app for users in the U.S. This centralized location will allow users to access all of Facebook’s hosted audio formats.

New Audio Formats Available

The platform now hosts a variety of audio content. These include podcasts, Live Audio Rooms, and short-form audio clips. Facebook is also broadening the availability of Live Audio Rooms to a global audience.

Introducing Soundbites

A novel product, Soundbites, is being introduced. This feature functions as a platform for short audio clips, drawing comparisons to TikTok but specifically for audio content.

Rollout and Accessibility

The initial release of the Audio destination has been underway for Facebook users (aged 18 and over) in the U.S. on both iOS and Android. The official announcement is now being made.

Access to the new hub is through the top navigation within Facebook’s video hub, Watch. While functional, this placement feels somewhat unusual considering audio is primarily experienced through listening.

Benefits for Creators and Users

This new destination aims to improve content discoverability for creators. Facebook users will be able to easily find audio content from creators they follow. They will also be able to discover new creators and access saved content.

The Audio section will initially showcase content from followed creators. It will also provide personalized recommendations and highlight popular audio content across the Facebook platform.

Personalization and Updates

The Audio destination will become increasingly tailored to individual preferences over time. User engagement with audio content and creator following will drive this personalization.

Facebook has provided an update on the expansion of its audio products. This follows the introduction of several new audio features earlier this year.

Expanding Audio Products

This spring, Facebook launched a suite of audio features. These included Live Audio Rooms, Soundbites, and podcast support. A partnership with Spotify also introduced a miniplayer for streaming music within Facebook.

Live Audio Rooms Expansion

Live Audio Rooms initially launched in June for U.S. public figures and select Facebook Groups. The feature has proven to be a valuable tool for connection and conversation within communities. Creators like Lil Huddy, Miley Cyrus, and Russell Wilson have adopted the feature.

Now, Live Audio Rooms are being extended to more public figures and creators outside the U.S., as well as non-U.S.-based Facebook Groups. The feature is also available on Android and desktop, increasing accessibility.

Soundbites Testing and Rollout

Soundbites has been in testing since June with emerging creators and influencers. Participants included Josh Sundquist, Lolo Spencer, and Molly Burke. The test has expanded, and Soundbites will be rolled out to more users in the U.S. in the coming weeks.

Podcast Support

Facebook has been developing support for podcasts since its initial audio announcements. Podcasts were made available to U.S. users this summer. The ability to share short podcast clips in News Feed has been added, along with caption support on Android (iOS support is forthcoming).

Podcasters can now add their RSS feeds to their Facebook Pages on both desktop and mobile. However, podcast listening remains exclusive to U.S. users for the present time.

Content Moderation and Safety

As Facebook expands its audio experiences, it is prioritizing tools for identifying and addressing content that violates its Community Standards. This includes automated identification of harmful content.

The company is adapting its technology and processes to detect and moderate violating audio content. This ongoing effort is informed by continuous learning and refinement.

Challenges and Concerns

This launch occurs after a challenging week for Facebook. The company experienced a significant outage and faced whistleblower testimony before the U.S. Senate. The testimony highlighted concerns about the platform’s algorithms, misinformation, and prioritization of profits.

With its expansion into audio and live audio, Facebook faces the challenge of content moderation. Without robust technology to ensure a safe environment, the platform could become a breeding ground for misinformation.