The move is part of a broader re-evaluation of Facebook's
audio products. The company is also shuttering the site's Soundbites and Audio
hubs, and integrating its live-streaming Live Audio Rooms feature (essentially
a clone of once-buzzy audio app Clubhouse) into its broader Facebook Live
suite, reports The Verge.
Facebook spokesperson Adelaide Coronado believes that the
changes would 'simplify' the company's audio offerings. "After a year of
learning and iterating on audio-first experiences, we've decided to simplify
our suite of audio tools on Facebook. We're constantly evaluating the features
we offer so we can focus on the most meaningful experiences," said
Coronado.
Facing competition from established audio podcast platforms
like SiriusXM, Amazon, and Clubhouse, Facebook has realised the difficulties in
establishing its foothold in this highly competitive market. Hence, with
Facebook prioritising its Meta platform, the decision of shutting down its
podcast platform comes as no surprise.
Last year in June, Facebook launched podcasts and live audio
streams in the US to keep users engaged on its platform and to compete with
emerging rivals. Facebook said it was allowing public figures with verified
accounts to start live audio rooms and invite anyone else to speak.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has appeared on the video streaming
app Clubhouse in the past, hosted his own live audio room on his Facebook page
soon after launch. “Live Audio Rooms and podcasts rolling out in the US is just
the beginning of our audio journey," wrote Fidji Simo, head of the
Facebook app, during the launch.
Podcasts and live audio have also been an outlet for racism,
misinformation, and extremist material. Live audio is particularly difficult to
moderate, compared with traditional social media posts.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment