facebook officially launches live audio rooms and podcasts in the us

Facebook Launches Live Audio Rooms and Podcast Support in the U.S.

In April, Facebook revealed plans for investment in a range of new audio products, encompassing a live audio platform similar to Clubhouse, alongside enhanced podcast integration. Today marks the official rollout of these features, beginning with Live Audio Rooms available in the U.S. on iOS for public figures and designated Facebook Groups, and the introduction of an initial cohort of U.S. podcast partners.

Live Audio Rooms Availability

The company confirms that Live Audio Rooms will progressively become accessible to all verified public figures and creators within the U.S. who maintain a positive standing with Facebook and utilize either a personal profile or the updated Facebook Pages experience on iOS. The feature is also being launched within “dozens” of Facebook Groups, according to reports.

Further expansion of both products is anticipated in the coming weeks and months, as more individuals, podcasts, and Groups are incorporated. Currently, 100% of Facebook users in the U.S. are now able to listen to Live Audio Rooms and podcasts.

Features of Live Audio Rooms

Facebook’s Live Audio Rooms provide a feature set comparable to Clubhouse and other audio-based platforms.

Hosts are displayed as rounded profile icons at the screen's top, while listeners appear as smaller icons at the bottom. A glowing ring indicates the currently active speaker, and verified accounts are denoted with a checkmark.

The platform includes options for live captions, a “raise hand” function for requesting speaking privileges, and tools for sharing the room across Facebook via News Feed or Group posts.

Unique Features and Speaker Management

Facebook differentiates itself in certain aspects. Hosts can proactively invite individuals to participate as speakers before the session begins, or they can select listeners during the live stream to join the conversation. Each session can accommodate up to 50 speakers, with no restriction on the number of listeners.

Users are notified when friends or followers join the session.

Engagement and Monetization

While listening, users can express their reactions using the “Thumbs Up” button, which connects to Facebook’s emoji reactions. Listeners can now also support public figures hosting Live Audio Rooms by sending “Stars,” purchasable during the conversation.

Sending Stars elevates the listener to the “Front Row,” a highlighted section recognizing supporters. Hosts can acknowledge these supporters during the event.

Supporting Nonprofits and Fundraising

Hosts can now designate a nonprofit or fundraiser to support during their conversations. Listeners and speakers can contribute directly, with a progress bar displaying the total amount raised.

Facebook Group Controls

For Facebook Groups, administrators control who can create Live Audio Rooms – moderators, group members, or other admins. Public groups allow both members and visitors to listen, while private groups restrict access to group members only.

Users receive alerts about new Live Audio Rooms through the News Feed and Notifications, and can opt to receive reminders when a room of interest goes live. Rooms are also discoverable within Facebook Groups.

Early Adopters

Initial participants in Facebook Live Audio Rooms include Grammy-nominated artist TOKiMONSTA, football player Russell Wilson, journalist Rosa Clemente, streamer Omareloff, and social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen. Future additions include D Smoke, Kehlani, Reggie Watts, Lisa Morales Duke, Dr. Jess, Bobby Berk, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Joe Budden, and DeRay Mckesson.

Participating Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups testing the new format include Dance Accepts Everyone, Vegan Soul Food, Meditation Matters, Pow Wow Nation, OctoNation – The Largest Octopus Fan Club!, and Space Hipsters.

Podcast Support Rollout

Alongside Live Audio Rooms, Facebook is initiating the rollout of podcast support with select creators, including Joe Budden of The Joe Budden Podcast, “Jess Hilarious” of Carefully Reckless, Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek of The LadyGang, and Nicaila Matthews Okome of Side Hustle Pro. Wider access for podcasters is planned for this summer.

Distinction from Spotify Integration

It’s important to note that this new podcast service differs from the recent music and podcast player developed in partnership with Spotify. That feature allows sharing Spotify content to Facebook. The new feature streams podcasts directly via RSS feeds on Facebook, not through Spotify.

However, the miniplayer for podcasts on Facebook will resemble the Spotify integration’s miniplayer (Project Boombox) in appearance and functionality, though they are distinct services.

The new listening experience allows users to listen to podcasts while browsing Facebook, in a miniplayer or full-screen player, even with the phone’s screen off, effectively making Facebook a native podcast streaming application.

Facebook reports that over 170 million users are connected to a Page for a podcast, indicating existing interest in podcasts on the platform.

Content Caching and Metrics

Facebook is requesting podcast creators to grant permission for content caching on its servers to ensure compliance with Facebook’s Community Standards. However, podcast metrics will still be provided by the podcaster’s hosting provider, as the content is streamed via RSS feeds.

Facebook has emailed podcast page owners with instructions on setting up their shows, including linking their RSS feed to automatically generate News Feed posts for new episodes and adding a “podcasts” tab to their Page.

According to Facebook’s Podcast Terms of Service, creators grant Facebook the right to create “derivative works,” potentially referring to an upcoming clips feature.

Future Plans

Facebook plans to add the ability to create and share short podcast clips, along with captions, later this summer. Long-term, the company aims to develop social experiences around podcasts and is launching Soundbites, short-form audio clips, later in 2021.

Other audio products under development include a central listening destination and background audio playback for videos.

This central destination will consolidate all audio formats on Facebook, aiding users in discovering new content and creators. Further details will be released this summer.

Facebook previously tested Live Audio Rooms in Taiwan and internally. CEO Mark Zuckerberg hosted a trial run in the U.S. last week.

Zuckerberg has expressed enthusiasm for audio on Facebook, emphasizing the potential within existing communities and groups. He believes that facilitating conversations within these communities would be beneficial.

Facebook intends to expand its audio products globally in the coming months.