Facebook wired for sound in audio push

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook is adding podcasts and “live audio rooms” in a push to get people talking and take on the fast-growing audio app Clubhouse.

“We think a lot of magic happens at the intersection of audio formats, as well as at the confluence of text, audio and video,” Facebook app chief Fidji Simo said.

The social network’s plan comes as it works to prevent losing users to Clubhouse. Facebook has seen a steady rise in users opting for voice, from audio calls at the social network to leaving spoken messages using WhatsApp or Messenger.

The Silicon Valley titan is building audio creation tools Ms Simo described as “like having a sound studio in your pocket”. The tools will let people create shortform sound bites such as jokes, anecdotes or spontaneous thoughts.

“While we’re big believers in the power of short-form audio, we also know that some stories and conversations deserve more airtime,” she said.

More than 170 million people are connected to Facebook pages centred on podcasts.

Live audio rooms are being tested and should be available by the middle of the year.