New Audio Creation Tools

Facebook states that they have been investing in audio technologies such as speech-to-text and voice morphing and plan to make these technologies available within the app as a part of their new audio creation tools. With these new audio creation tools comes Facebook’s sound collection, enabling users to add music and sound effects in the background of their story to set the tone. Facebook says you’ll even be able to mix audio tracks, add voice effects and filters too. Facebook plans to test these new audio creation tools over the next couple of months, with a smaller number of creators such as Drew Lynch, Lolo Spencer, Tobe Nwigwe, Molly Burke, and Josh Sundquist.

“Consider it like having a sound studio in your pocket by being able to create audio clips, listen to podcasts, and use Live Audio Rooms.” — Facebook.

Podcasts Are Coming to Facebook

Facebook states that more than 170 million people are already connected to hundreds of thousands of podcasts on Facebook, and 35 million people are members of fan groups around podcasts. Starting in the next couple of months, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite podcast episodes within the Facebook App itself. Both while using the app or when the app is backgrounded. This will allow creators of all sizes to start building their podcast community directly on Facebook. Facebook plans on helping you discover new podcasts and creators surrounding your interests.

Live Audio Rooms in Facebook and Messenger

On top of the new audio creation tools and bringing podcasts to the Facebook app, Facebook announced live audio rooms in Facebook and Messenger. Facebook plans to start testing live audio rooms with groups, public figures, and celebrities first, with plans to make live audio rooms available by this summer. Facebook additionally plans to add live audio rooms to Messenger, allowing users to connect with their friends on a more personal level.

Monetization

Facebook plans to allow creators and public figures the ability to collect Stars or donate to a cause. Facebook also plans to allow creators to charge a one-time fee or a monthly subscription fee to access their live audio rooms.

The only way this all works long-term is if creators can make money from their efforts. So at launch, we’re introducing multiple ways for audio creators to build their business while pursuing their passion. Facebook also introduced a new audio creator fund to support emerging audio creators. Coming from someone already using audio products such as Twitter Spaces, this will be huge for creators of all sizes.

With audio platforms and podcasting becoming more relevant than ever, Facebook’s announcement makes me excited to see the future of audio conversations and see smaller creators gain a bigger platform to share their voices.

What are some of your thoughts on Facebook’s announcement?