Facebook launches podcasts, live audio streams

Facebook is launching podcasts and live audio stream features in the U.S. as it expands to add more social audio experiences, the company said Monday. 

Facebook’s Live Audio Rooms will be available for public figures and select Facebook Groups in the U.S., with plans to expand the ability for more public figures and groups to host rooms in coming weeks, according to Facebook’s blog post. 

The launch comes a couple of months after Facebook said it would test the Live Audio Rooms feature, following the rising popularity of the social media platform Clubhouse. Other tech companies, including Twitter and Spotify, have also announced features to rival Clubhouse. 

In addition to Facebook’s Live Audio Rooms, which will allow users to listen in and join live conversations with public figures on various topics, the platform announced an initial slate of podcasts. 

The first podcasts include ones from Joe Budden, Jess Hilarious, Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin and Jac Vanek, according to the blog post. 

Users will be able to listen to podcasts while browsing on Facebook through a mini-player or full screen. 

Facebook’s announcement comes a week after Spotify announced its Greenroom, a live, interactive audio feature. 

Twitter last month said it would open up its live audio room feature, Spaces, to more users.