Facebook is stepping into the world of audio with its new feature, Live Audio Rooms, aiming to compete with the recent sensation, Clubhouse, an audio-only platform that gained immense popularity in a short span.

Rolling Out Live Audio Rooms

The Live Audio Rooms feature by Facebook is set to launch “later this summer,” spanning from June to September 2021. Initially, it will be available for groups and public figures in the testing phase. Subsequently, it will integrate into Messenger, enabling users to engage in audio conversations with their friends.

Recordable Conversations and Monetization Plans

Users can record these audio conversations in Live Audio Rooms and share them afterward. Moreover, Facebook plans to facilitate monetization by allowing users to charge for access to these rooms, either through a subscription model or a one-time fee.

Support for Emerging Audio Creators

In a bid to support emerging talent, Facebook is establishing an Audio Creator Fund. This fund aims to provide financial support to budding audio creators and promote their content. Additionally, snippets of these audio chats, termed “Soundbites,” will appear in users’ news feeds, akin to regular posts, and will receive algorithmic promotion.

Zuckerberg’s Vision for Social Audio

Mark Zuckerberg is enthusiastic about the potential of social audio. In discussions with Platformer’s Casey Neistat, he hinted at an upcoming partnership with Spotify. This collaboration will bring Spotify’s music and podcast streaming capabilities directly to Facebook, enhancing the social audio experience.

Monetization Opportunities with Facebook Stars

Facebook’s Stars system, designed for content monetization, will extend to Live Audio Rooms. This system allows users to receive tips, enabling them to generate income from their audio streams.

Joining the Clubhouse Competition

Facebook’s Live Audio Rooms announcement places it among the growing list of companies entering the social audio landscape to rival Clubhouse. Notable contenders include LinkedIn, Twitter, Slack, Spotify, and Mark Cuban’s Fireside Chat, all seeking to capitalize on the popularity of audio-centric social interactions.