'Facebook-style Clubhouse' First Tested in Taiwan

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Facebook has begun testing its 'Live Audio Rooms' service, which allows real-time voice conversations similar to Clubhouse, Bloomberg reported on the 10th (local time).

The report stated that Facebook is conducting its first test with local celebrities in Taiwan, one of its most active markets.

Live Audio Rooms, unveiled by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in April, is a voice-based SNS service that enables communication through voice rather than text and can be accessed via the Facebook app or Messenger.

Similar to Clubhouse, only invited users can enter, and listeners can support the creators who host the Live Audio Rooms.

Alongside this, Facebook is introducing a feature called Soundbites, which allows users to record and upload short voice clips such as jokes or anecdotes to their feed, similar to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

This move by Facebook aims to counter the rising popularity of the voice-based SNS Clubhouse, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clubhouse, launched in 2020 by software developer Alpha Exploration, is a closed SNS where users communicate via audio and must be approved by existing members to join chats.

The app, favored by billionaires and celebrities including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has attracted global attention.