We’re here to help you keep up with the ever-changing world of social media and digital marketing. Here are a few updates and stories you won’t want to miss.

Facebook goes all-in on audio

Facebook is investing heavily in “social Audio experiences,” debuting three new audio-based offerings.

First, Facebook is making it possible for users to stream podcasts without leaving the platform. Facebook will be using data collection to recommend podcasts to users based on their interests, and users will be able to comment on podcasts and share episodes with friends. We expect that advertising options will be available for podcasts in the future, including audio ads before, during, and after an episode.

Facebook is also testing a new short-form audio platform called Soundbites, which will allow users to create and edit brief messages and share them with friends. Think of it as the audio equivalent of TikTok or Reels. Soundbites is being tested with a small number of creators and comedians before it’s available to everyone.

Finally, Facebook is testing Live Audio Rooms, audio-only discussion groups that are similar to Clubhouse. The feature will be available to Facebook Groups and public figures before it rolls out to everyone in the summer.

It’s also worth noting that, unlike Clubhouse, Facebook is working to make their “audio experiences” accessible to all by offering captions.

Twitter announces new Spaces features

Just like Facebook, Twitter is building on the momentum of Clubhouse with its own version of exclusive live audio discussions called Spaces. Twitter began experimenting with Spaces last year but recently made the feature available to all accounts with 600 followers or more. Twitter also opened up Spaces to Android users, unlike Clubhouse, which lacks an Android option. Twitter also plans to offer a new ticketed Spaces option, which will enable users to monetize their Twitter presence.

Do you have questions about any of these updates and how they could impact your business? Send us a note or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.