The recent surge in popularity of Clubhouse shows that voice-based interactions are the future of social networking. Clubhouse is currently limited to iOS and can only be accessed if another user invites you. Seeing this as a potential opportunity, social media giants including Facebook and Twitter are working on their own adaptations for a wider audience. While Twitter Spaces is already in testing, we've learned that Facebook is also working on bringing live audio rooms to the Instagram app. In addition to audio rooms, Instagram is also working on enabling end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in chats.
Instagram prepares for Clubhouse-style audio rooms
Instagram Live is already a popular way for creators to interact with their followers. Additionally, Instagram recently rolled out Live Rooms, allowing anyone going live to add up to three additional users. In line with this, Instagram also appears to be working on live audio rooms where a host can add a group of other users during the live audio session. Instagram Audio, like Clubhouse, is similar. App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots of the Instagram feature in development on his Twitter account.
# Instagram is working on audio rooms 👀 pic.twitter.com/5TI6YzLi9A
- Alessandro Paluzzi (@ alex193a) March 6, 2021
In one of the screenshots, we see a microphone icon next to the normal camera icon that usually appears during live video sessions. Paluzzi didn't share any details about Instagram's live audio rooms feature, but the placement of the microphone icon right next to the camera icon suggests that Instagram may be integrating audio and video live rooms. Instagram is preparing for Clubhouse-style audio rooms.
Facebook's intention to clone Clubhouse was first reported last month. In its announcement Live RoomsInstagram also confirmed it is "exploring more interactive tools, such as offering moderator controls and audio features that will be available in the coming months." Instagram is preparing for Clubhouse-style audio rooms. While the audio room feature is relatively new, the app is also set to get a feature that was reportedly first commissioned at least two years ago.
Facebook + Instagram + Messenger
Facebook began unifying chats from Instagram and Messenger last year, allowing users to use one app to connect with contacts on the other. This unification was first ordered by Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg in January 2019. The plan is to integrate chats from Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp into a single messaging platform. Instagram audio, like Clubhouse, will also be integrated into the platform. Zuckerberg also stated the need to implement end-to-end encryption across all of his messaging apps, a feature currently limited to WhatsApp.
Although Facebook introduced end-of-life messaging under Vanish mode, recently announced for privacy reasons, end-to-end encryption adds a layer of security to chats, preventing anyone other than the user from interpreting communications even if they are intercepted. This feature is believed to be under development by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who has not shared further information about it.
# Instagram is working on end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) chats 👀 pic.twitter.com/XSb4DqHtU6
- Alessandro Paluzzi (@ alex193a) March 6, 2021
The features are currently under development and are not available to users. We'll add more details as we learn more.
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