Facebook Live Audio Rooms, Podcasts, and Soundbites: What They Are and How to Use Them

Co-authored by Emily Schmitt

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Facebook is diving into the deep end of the social media audio world. The tech giant is adding new Live Audio and podcast features to its platform in the hopes of competing with other audio-first apps. We’ll give you a rundown of the new features and a tutorial on how to use them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:
Live Audio Rooms

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Facebook Live Audio Rooms will allow specific Facebook groups and creators to host live conversations for anyone to listen to. Think of an Instagram Live, but without the video! Live Audio Rooms are meant for any type of conversation, from deep meditations to lighthearted comedy. ^{[1]
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- Live Audio Rooms are similar to the clubs on Clubhouse, the audio-first app that skyrocketed in popularity in 2020.
- Live Audio Rooms will also feel similar to hearing a podcast recorded live.
- Facebook has not rolled this feature out for everyone, so if you haven’t been granted specific permission, you’ll have to settle for listening in on the broadcasted conversations. ^{[2]
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Speakers. Speakers are guests invited to speak in the room by the host. A host can invite a listener to be a speaker and people can only be speakers if they are using the Facebook iOS or Android app.
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Front Row. As a listener, you can send virtual stars or donations to support the hosts and speakers. The Front Row will show the eight most recent listeners who have sent their support. ^{[3]
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Personal Information. When you join a Live Audio room your name and profile picture will be displayed to listeners, hosts, and guest speakers.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:
How to Join a Live Audio Room

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Login to your Facebook account on your mobile device. Live Audio Rooms can only be accessed through the Facebook app on iOS and Android devices.
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Once you’re logged in, tap on your News Feed. The News Feed is represented by the house icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
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At the top of this page, tap on the “Live Audio Rooms” option. Swipe through the list of live rooms and find one you’re interested in.
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Tap “Listen” to join a room in progress. If you want to keep track of when a creator is going live, click on the “Interested” button and you’ll receive updates on the room. ^{[4]
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Method 3

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Podcasts

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In addition to Live Audio Rooms, Facebook is adding podcasts to its site. Listeners can tune in to their favorite podcasts directly from the Facebook app. Podcast creators, producers, and executives will be able to link their content directly on their podcast’s Facebook page to gain more listeners. ^{[5]
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- Facebook hopes to compete with Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:
How to Listen to Facebook Podcasts

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Login to your Facebook account on your mobile device.
- Facebook Podcasts can only be accessed through the Facebook app on iOS and Android devices.
- Navigate to the page of the podcast or the creator’s page.
- On the podcast’s page, you will see a dropdown menu with “Podcasts” as an option.
- Choose an episode and press play. This will open up a mini-player on the bottom of the screen which will continue playing even if you exit the Facebook app. ^{[6]
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Method 5

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Soundbites

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Facebook has also announced a new audio software and creation tool called Soundbites. Soundbites will allow users to create short-form, creative sound clips for the passing thought, joke, creative idea.
- To kickstart Soundbites, Facebook has created an Audio Creator Fund to support emerging audio creators and get feedback before a wider release.
- Soundbites are still being tested and rolled out slowly to specific users, but keep an eye for its expansion in the coming months! ^{[7]
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