By Instagram Live, a popular feature for live streaming on the platform, has undergone significant enhancements to compete with the rising popularity of audio-focused platforms like Clubhouse. Facebook, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced new functionalities to make Instagram Live more versatile and appealing to users.
Mute and Turn Off Video Options
One of the key updates to Instagram Live is the addition of mute and video turn-off options. Users can now choose to stream only their audio, eliminating the need to worry about their appearance during live sessions. This feature aligns Instagram Live more closely with Clubhouse’s audio-only format.
Limited Host Control
While Instagram Live now offers options to mute and turn off video, these controls are currently limited to the host. Other participants joining the livestream cannot be controlled by the host in terms of audio and video streams. This limitation indicates that Instagram Live is not yet a direct competitor to Clubhouse in terms of functionality.
Rollout and Future Enhancements
The new mute and turn off video feature is already rolling out to users, with a broader rollout expected in the near future. Facebook has indicated that it is working on introducing more controls to Instagram Live, aiming to enhance the live streaming experience for creators and viewers alike.
Facebook’s Clubhouse-Inspired Initiatives
Facebook’s efforts to replicate Clubhouse features extend beyond Instagram Live. The company recently announced Live Audio Rooms, a feature similar to Clubhouse, set to debut between June and September 2021. This initiative will enable creators to monetize their audio streams, a strategy also adopted by Clubhouse.
Social Audio Landscape
The push towards social audio platforms is evident across various tech giants. Facebook’s partnership with Spotify, integrating the music and podcast streaming service into its platform, further emphasizes the importance of social audio. Additionally, features like Facebook Stars for Live Audio Rooms highlight the monetization potential of audio content.
Growing Competition in Social Audio
Facebook is not alone in its pursuit of social audio dominance. Other platforms and entities, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Slack, Spotify, and Mark Cuban’s Fireside Chat, are also venturing into the social audio space. The competition indicates the industry’s recognition of social audio as a significant trend with vast potential.
As Instagram Live evolves to offer more audio-centric features, the landscape of live streaming and social audio continues to evolve, providing users with diverse and engaging content creation and consumption options.
