Facebook Launches BARS: A New Platform for Rap Creation

Facebook’s internal research and development division, the NPE Team, has introduced its latest experimental application, BARS. This app empowers rappers to compose and distribute their music utilizing professionally produced beats.

Focus on Individual Rap Creation

Unlike Collab, the NPE Team’s previous music-focused app which emphasized collaborative music-making, BARS is specifically designed for aspiring rappers seeking to independently create and share their work. Users can select from a vast library of beats and then record videos featuring their original lyrics.

The app provides assistance during the songwriting process, offering automatic rhyme suggestions. Furthermore, it includes audio and visual filters, alongside an autotune function, to enhance the final product.

Interactive Features and Gameplay

A unique “Challenge mode” is incorporated, allowing users to freestyle with automatically suggested word prompts. This feature introduces a gamified element to the experience. It aims to appeal to individuals who simply want to enjoy creating rap music, similar to applications like Smule’s AutoRap.

Video Sharing and Length

Completed videos can be up to 60 seconds long. They can then be saved directly to a user’s device or shared across various social media platforms.

The Impact of the Pandemic on BARS’ Development

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the creation of BARS. Access to traditional music venues and recording studios was restricted, impacting the ability of rappers to experiment and share their art.

DJ Iyler, a member of the NPE Team and hip-hop ghostwriter known as “D-Lucks,” explained that aspiring rappers often face limitations in accessing expensive recording equipment and studios. The pandemic further exacerbated these challenges by curtailing live performances.

BARS was developed in collaboration with a team of emerging rappers and is currently available in a closed beta.

A Potential TikTok Competitor?

Despite its musical focus, BARS can be viewed as Facebook’s latest attempt to compete with TikTok, particularly within the short-form video content category.

TikTok has become a prominent platform for launching the careers of new musicians, including rappers. It facilitates verse testing, attracts beatmakers, and influences contemporary music trends. The platform has also popularized the “diss track” format, often used to generate engagement and views.

Interface and User Experience

The app’s user interface bears resemblance to TikTok. It features a vertical video layout with two tabs: “Featured” and “New,” mirroring TikTok’s “Following” and “For You” feeds.

Engagement buttons are positioned in the lower-right corner, while the creator’s name appears in the lower-left, consistent with TikTok’s design.

Unique Engagement Metric: “Fire”

Instead of traditional “hearts” for favoriting videos, BARS utilizes a “Fire” emoji to indicate appreciation. Users can tap the “Fire” icon multiple times. However, the absence of a tap-to-pause feature may lead to accidental taps, resulting in unintended “Fire” activations.

Vertical swiping is used to navigate through content, but a prominent “Follow” button for tracking favorite creators is hidden within a three-dot menu.

Beta Launch and Availability

The initial content within the app is provided by members of the NPE Team, including aspiring rappers, former music producers, and publishers.

The BARS beta is currently live on the iOS App Store in the U.S., with a waitlist being established. Facebook intends to distribute invites in stages, beginning within the U.S. Updates regarding invite availability will be announced on Instagram.

Facebook’s Experimental App Strategy

Recent launches from Facebook’s experimental apps division include Collab and E.gg, a collage maker. However, not all apps achieve long-term success.

Facebook has a history of discontinuing apps that fail to gain sufficient traction, as demonstrated by the closure of Hobbi, a Pinterest-like video app, last year.