The introduction of Clubhouse marked a significant step in the development of content on social media platforms with the new audio-based model. Nowadays, innovational features are quickly recycled and implemented in the popular social media apps, as happened with Snapchat being replaced by Instagram stories and TikTok being brought to Instagram in the form of reels. On the other hand, social audio represents a more complex feature and experience that could fail if not implemented correctly on a fitting platform.
I agree that the matter that significantly increased the audio content consumption in the last years is the people’s desire to multitask. In addition, with the introduction of wireless audio technologies, people can now perform their usual activities such as training, jogging, cooking, and doing chores while also consuming content relevant to their interests. Thus, people now are drawn more to audio content, with over 155 million people listening to podcasts every week. However, I do not see a vast opportunity for audio content development unless it involves monetization. Most podcasts that involve a certain level of production require subscription payments or at least feature sponsoring advertisements.
It is certain that not every platform is fitted for the audio social experience, as Twitter previously tried to implement the feature with Twitter Spaces but eventually limited the feature to ticketing options. I assume that using the social audio with purposes that mostly relate to professional development, such as master classes and professional insights, would be more popular. I agree that as a platform with a wide audience of all ages, which offers monetization opportunities, Facebook will make a significant contribution to the development of audio social and reach new qualities of content.
Articles Used
By Ben – Why are podcasts so popular in 2021? Web.
Pierre DeBois – Twitter Spaces challenges Clubhouse for the live audio social media crown. Web.