Facebook is testing a new voice feature on its platform, one that it hopes will provide people with a new way to share on its aging social network and revitalise its content.
Images courtesy: Reuters
Voice Clips, as the new feature is called, lets you post a status update as a voice note instead of text or video. As a byproduct, where users don¡¯t have access to non-native language keyboards, they can use it to freely share in a language they¡¯re comfortable in.
¡°We are always working to help people share and connect with their friends and family on Facebook in ways that are authentic to them. Voice Clips gives people a new medium through which to express themselves,¡± Facebook said in a statement
It¡¯s been for quite a while now that Facebook has struggled with interactions on its platform. Particularly is the ¡°news problem¡± on the social network, it having become a place for shared articles and videos instead of actual personal content. The company is desperately trying to change that, having recently revamped the News Feed, to isolate news from friend updates
In the face of this, Voice Clips could be key to the fresh injection of content Facebook needs. It¡¯s not as daunting as video and doesn¡¯t require as much effort to create, but it¡¯s certainly easier and more personal than text status updates. Not to mention, aside from the likely few podcasts that should still have quality content, it could bring the personal touch that Facebook has been craving.
When the feature launches, the ¡°Add Voice Clip¡± option will be available in the same text available now, right next to photo uploads, check-ins, and live video etc. Right now, there doesn¡¯t seem to be a limit to how long your voice note can be, only depending on your device¡¯s storage capacity. Once recorded, you can preview but not edit the audio, and then share it to News Feed.
The feature seems to be testing in only India right now. That¡¯s probably a good idea for Facebook considering how many languages we have, and it could help engage more users uncomfortable with posting in English. If it gains popularity, it¡¯s possible the feature will reach other locations too.