Everywhere you look, people are listening to podcasts. But that’s just one example of the power of audio. The rise of audio as a popular, passive way to consume content is just beginning. A new trend in social media applications will adopt the audio format to build a contactless world.
And the timing was perfect. As the months of remote work and social isolation piled up, everyone grew tired of video conferencing. Joining a video call requires a lot, and honestly people were looking for something easier. For those who want user-friendly simplicity, audio-only social media apps are a great solution.
What is an audio social media tool?
An audio social media tool is a platform that allows users to interact with each other in real time via audio. Announcements.
These tools are becoming increasingly popular because they enable communication that is more intimate, natural, human, and more consistent with the way we interact in real life. The social media tools include voice notes, audio messages, podcasts, social radio and other audio features.
Importance of Audio Social Media Tools
The importance of audio-based social media tools needs to be considered, especially as people look for more meaningful connections.
Authentic Conversations
audio and social media tools promote natural and authentic conversations between people, allowing them to better express their thoughts and feelings.
improves social skills
These tools help improve social skills such as communication, public speaking and active listening, which are crucial in personal and professional life.
Breaks down language barriers
Audio-based social media provides a platform that makes communication more accessible to people regardless of their language or culture.
Why Social Audio is the Future of Content?
Audio content is the most accessible type of content because it is completely passive. As a society that loves multitasking, we can consume content while driving, cooking, exercising and relaxing. Audio is preferred by many because it is an intimate experience between creator and audience with the unique ability to convey emotion and build connection.
While text-based content is unlikely to disappear, we are in the midst of a shift toward augmenting interaction with audio. And with social audio, especially live discussions and engaging conversations, people connect without having to worry about where to look on the screen so no one looks up.
As apps like Clubhouse become more popular, big voices like green tech giant Elon Musk, celebrity Ashton Kutcher and comedian Kevin Hart are joining the conversation. And the prospect of talking to famous idols is enough to draw crowds.
The trend towards social audio may have benefited from the pandemic, but it is a medium that is here to stay. They come in many different forms, from static audio posts that act as small podcasts to monetized live shows. Many platforms are even experimenting with audio interactions to replace traditional text comments.
Changing the Social Media Landscape
The concept of audio content is not new; In fact, radio talk shows were the early forerunners of the modern podcast. We used audio to convey news and share information, enjoy music, audio books and sports. We used it to learn and invest in self-development. Radio is still on the radar, but advances in technology and the introduction of smartphones have given anyone with an internet connection a hot mic to spread their message to the world.
More and more platforms are taking on active and limited functions. Live means that the content is not pre-recorded but rather shared with an audience in real time. Live content is great for synchronous interaction on social media, but it is also risky and less controlled. Restricted features include Instagram Stories, which are short-lived content that disappears instead of living in a feed.
Social Audio uses both. Popular apps like Clubhouse focus on the here and now by focusing on live conversations that disappear and cannot be accessed once the conversation ends.This is great news for the entertainment industry. One way audio is shaping social media is by giving artists the opportunity to offer previews of limited shows.
The Best of Audio-Only Social Media Apps
Where Do We Start? With audio content taking the social media world by storm, you may be wondering which apps are worth trying and which are probably just a flash in the pan.
Riffr
Riffr took advantage of the popularity of podcasting, reduced it to three minutes or less, and built a platform around it. This social network is available on Android and iOS devices and is free to use.While podcasting is popular, producing long-form audio content is time-consuming and expensive. Riffr is the casual alternative that offers fun and spontaneity!
Audlist
This audio-based social network is the most flexible. There is no maximum length for audio files, so users can post short snippets or longer rants as needed. Text content is limited to a short title, while community interactions are limited to short audio files. However, the cover photos of each publication are completely acceptable.
plans to add multiple images, direct messages, voice modifiers, autoplay, and audio stories (similar to Instagram stories). Audlist is available for both Android and iOS.
HearMeOut
This audio-based social media platform focuses on short snippets of up to 42 seconds, like Twitter, of audio content. Every post on the platform can be provided with a cover photo.And the platform works well with others: It allows users to share content on more popular networks like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. And just like a real social media platform, HearMeOut users can interact with posts using a text-based comment feature. HearMeOut is available for both Android and iOS.
Clubhouse
One of the most popular social audio apps has been gaining popularity lately. In one month, the number of downloads of the Clubhouse app increased from 2 million to 10 million. Clubhouse originally launched on iOS and, after quickly gaining fame, released an Android app that is still fairly new and invite-based. It seems like everyone is jumping on the social audio bandwagon. One user described the app as part TED talk and part chat room from the early 90s.
It’s new, fun and brings live chat back into the mainstream. One notable drawback that has drawn much criticism is the platform’s moderation practices, which include publicly reporting blocked users.But the good thing is that the app continues to attract millions of new users every month and has introduced the world to a new genre of social media, paving the way for others to follow.
Clubhouse is a great platform for businesses to expand their network, collaborate with colleagues, and connect directly with their audience. If you’re interested in startup stories, Growth Channel has partnered with Go, Go, Startups.
Discord
Discord, a social application born in the world of gaming, has proven to be an expert at identifying and satisfying needs. The app’s original goal was to provide a voice-to-text communication tool for players who couldn’t pause the game to chat. But with the global pandemic shaking lives around the world, the platform rebranded to appeal to a wider audience and provide a much-needed way to socialize during isolation. Discord has more than 140 million active subscribers, has tripled its customer base during the pandemic.
Wave
This app is designed for audio by people who love audio.The original target audience was musicians and podcasters who had audio content to share. It was a happy coincidence that the world of social audio was emerging around them at the same time. The Wavve app allows users to combine audio files with animations and subtitles to create engaging videos and share the content on major platforms.
Spoon
Spoon is very similar to Clubhouse in that it allows users to create discussions or shows and invite viewers to join. However, Spoon’s advantage is that creators can get paid for their shows through an in-app donation feature.Checkmate
The global online dating equivalent of an audio-based social platform is Checkmate. Since the platform limits users to audio and video formats only, the risk of catfishing is virtually eliminated.
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How Brands Can Benefit from Audio-Only Social Media Trends?
People are listening, really listening! There is an opportunity for brands to capitalize early on this growing trend and provide content that is easy and even enjoyable to consume.
- Sponsored Ads
- Thought Leadership Discussions
- Live Q&A Events
- Inspirational Behind-the-Scenes Audio Announcements (3 minutes or less)
- Mini Interviews with CEOs or Frontline Employees
The Future of Social Networking: Audio Social Networking Tool
In the age of social networking, audio has become the latest trend.Audio and social media tools are viral among social media enthusiasts. It is gradually gaining ground and is expected to take over the current social media trend soon.
Numerous platforms have emerged experimenting with different features to take advantage of this new trend. This development begs the question: What is an audio social media tool? How does it work?And what makes it different from other forms of social media?
Audio and Social Media Tools are social media applications aimed at people who prefer audio content. Social media audio tools like Clubhouse, Stereo, and Twitter Spaces use voice recordings to encourage user communication.
They provide a platform where people can connect, interact and share their experiences with each other via audio. These platforms are ideal for people who prefer acoustic stimulation and want to discuss topics without being physically in the same room.
Conclusion on Social Audio
It turns out that the growing popularity of social audio apps like Clubhouse is just the tip of the iceberg. In the spirit of “old is new,” people will rethink the idea of open conversations.
The trend in audio-only social media channels is expected to continue to grow, and we expect there to be many new versions of these apps in the coming months and years. The shift to audio will be important for everyone: individuals, creatives, brands and artists.