Could a ‘Voice Clip' function bring podcasting to Facebook?

Facebook is reportedly in the process of trialing audio-based status updates, according to several user testimonies on social media, picked up by American website TechCrunch. The function apparently lets users record and share voice clips or podcasts, either with friends or with all the social network's users.

Users involved in the trial report that an "Add Voice Clip" function appears in the status update composer, where it is already possible to add an image or a GIF, to sell an item, create a poll, support a cause or start a live video broadcast. The "Voice Clips" function is apparently mainly being trialed in India for the time being, among a small percentage of users. Once selected, users see a waveform onscreen as they speak to record their message. This is also displayed when users play back the audio.

It could therefore soon be possible to integrate and share audio messages of unlimited length on the social network, potentially leading to new uses such as podcasting. It also offers a fast and practical way of sharing messages or content for populations working with non-native language keyboards or with other physical input barriers.

It is not yet known whether the function will roll out globally.