In 2020, the first audio social media app, Clubhouse, was launched. Ever since then, the trend caught on. One could say it’s because people are sick of screens. If you really think about it, all the regular social media platforms are more or less the same. Like buttons, comment sections, posts, and stories. Voice-based social media provides a whole new approach to online communication and an extremely helpful aid to virtual human connection. As more and more people join voice-based apps, experts are wondering if they’re looking at the next big thing in social media. If you’re curious to know more, this article will tell you everything you need to know about audio social media and how to get into it.
What is Voice-Based Social Media?
In essence, it’s a conference call. A conference call between an unlimited amount of people, from all walks of life. Depending on the platform, you can create a room or a space, then either invite people or open it up to the general public. It’s heavily inspired by the methods of communication we were heavily dependent on during quarantine. There is often a moderator or a speaker who introduces a topic and coordinates participation. You can find lecturers in certain rooms speaking and taking questions. In some rooms, the floor is left open for everyone to participate and share their views.
Types of Audio Social Platforms
Clubhouse was the first platform to introduce audio as a possible means of social media engagement. It is an invitation-only application where users can create audio chat rooms and host as many as five thousand people. Just like the platforms you’re used to, you can have favorite rooms, favorite speakers, and more. Although, you can’t message a user directly there, at least not yet. According to this article on What is Social Audio, given that the platform is only designated to house chat rooms rather than to bring a complete social media experience, you have the option of preserving your anonymity if you wish. Plus, there are no means of recording or saving a conversation. Needless to say, this packs several benefits, like the ability to speak freely. After Clubhouse’s smashing success, other popular platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, decided to ride the wave. Both platforms function in a manner similar to Clubhouse, but with a few added features, of course.
Perks
If the social media giants are following the trend, then audio-based social media must have quite a few perks worth considering.
Boosts Human Connection: It’s easy to hide behind a carefully created identity when writing or posting. Meanwhile, live conversations help one shed their somewhat inauthentic online identity and engage with the most authentic parts of them. Not to mention, the lack of a controlled audience in open rooms creates a healthy environment for debate.
Safe: On some platforms, conversations aren’t recorded and are only live. Because of that, you can create an anonymous account just to freely join a conversation. It’s common for people not to feel free to exist or share controversial opinions amidst their own circles. This provides a wide space for that.
Educational: Come to think of it, this is an updated take on the Socratic method of teaching. A group of individuals asking questions and contributing with answers and ideas in order to push each other to critically think about a topic. There’s no doubt audio-based social media is educational.
Are you excited, yet? If you are, pick up your phone, and let’s get you started. It will only take you a couple of taps. All you need to do is download the application of your choice or log into the social platform you prefer to use. Once you create an account, you’ll have several options. You can create a room or join. We suggest you join at first to see what the community is like. Look for a room that you find attractive enough, then join. Feel free to mute your mic at first until you fully understand what’s happening and where the conversation is. Once you feel like you want to talk, click on a button to raise your hand. This will notify the host that you want to speak. They’ll give you the floor once the other speakers are done. If you like the moderator or one of the users, don’t forget to follow them so you can stay connected and informed of their activities. That’s all there is to it. Some things to keep in mind are, don’t hog the mic, be polite, and always follow the rules set by the moderator. This is how you do your part in creating a healthy social environment.