Facebook Launches Podcasts, Live Audio Service

Facebook Launches Podcasts, Live Audio Service
A conference worker passes a demo booth at Facebook's annual F8 developer conference, in San Jose, Calif., on April 18, 2017. Noah Berger/AP Photo
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Facebook is launching podcasts and live audio streams in the United States on Monday to keep users engaged on its platform and to compete with emerging rivals.

Facebook says it is allowing public figures with verified accounts to start live audio rooms and invite anyone else to speak. A handful of podcasts will be available to people in the United States at first and the company plans to add more down the line.