The popularity of audio formats is constantly growing, including on Facebook's platforms, where the number of calls and voice messages on WhatsApp and Messenger has recently increased significantly.
The platform is constantly developing voice messaging features so that recording them is simple and enjoyable, just like sending funny sound clips or snippets of favorite songs to friends. Audio formats also fit perfectly with the pace of today's life, allowing users to listen in on or be part of discussions regardless of where they currently are.
Facebook's new audio products
Facebook has just announced the introduction of a range of audio products across its platforms. Among the new tools will be Sound Studio, Soundbites, Live Audio Rooms and Podcasts.
- Sound Studio
Sound Studio is a set of tools for creating and editing audio, modeled on those used for editing photos and videos. They are meant to be advanced enough for professionals, yet intuitive and engaging enough for anyone to use. The studio will leverage audio technologies Facebook has been developing for a long time, such as speech-to-text, voice-changing tools and spatial audio. Thanks to the use of AI solutions, it will be possible to record good-quality sound even on a busy street. The creator will also include libraries of sound effects, voice filters and an audio mixer.
- Soundbites - a new audio-social format
Sound Studio and Soundbites
The sound studio tools will make it possible to create Soundbites, i.e. short audio clips that could contain, for example, anecdotes, jokes, inspiring statements, poetry and much, much more. Testing of Soundbites will begin in the coming months in cooperation with a small group of creators in order to refine the product based on their insights.
- Podcasts on Facebook
Podcasts and live broadcasts
Facebook's new audio products for creators and users
Facebook's new audio products for creators and users
Alongside short audio forms, the company will also introduce longer podcast formats, available directly on Facebook's platform, including when the app is running in the background. This will make it possible to listen to favorite podcasts, discover new audio content or share it without leaving the app. For creators, meanwhile, the introduction of Podcasts on Facebook will open up opportunities to gain new listeners.
- Live Audio Rooms for Facebook and Messenger
Facebook is also starting tests of the Live Audio Rooms tool, which will be available to app users as early as this summer. The tests will begin with making the live audio feature available in Groups. Work is also underway on bringing Live Audio Rooms to Messenger. This format will allow users to hold live conversations with people from around the world, without the pressure of being on camera.
Freedom to change format
The most interesting projects are created when different formats intersect, which is why, for example, with Live Audio Rooms creators will be able to reformat a broadcast into a podcast so that everyone interested can listen to it later, at a time convenient for them. The best fragments of podcasts and Live Audio Rooms broadcasts will be able to be preserved as Soundbites. In addition, all audio formats will have the ability to display captions. In time, all the new formats will find their place in a single tab in the Facebook app.
New monetization opportunities
Monetization for creators
From the moment the new audio tools are launched, monetization options will also be available, thanks to which creators will be able to earn money from their passion. In Live Audio Rooms, users will be able to support favorite creators and public figures through Stars or by donating funds to initiatives they indicate. Shortly after launch, other monetization models for audio formats will also be available, such as paid access to a Live Audio Room through a one-time fee or a subscription model. A Soundbites Creator Fund will also be established to support creators who are just gaining popularity.
Summary
Facebook is introducing a package of audio products: Sound Studio for sound editing, short Soundbites clips, podcasts and Live Audio Rooms available on Facebook and Messenger. The tools will allow for arbitrary conversion of formats — live broadcasts will be able to be turned into podcasts, and their best fragments into Soundbites. This is a response to the growing popularity of voice content, also visible in the development of messaging apps. Creators will gain earning opportunities thanks to Stars, paid access or subscriptions, as well as support from the Soundbites Creator Fund.
