Facebook shuts down its Podcast business

Facebook is now shutting down its podcast service starting June 3.

The podcast service was announced last year when podcasting had caught steam through services like Spotify. However, it seems that the company is now moving on and focusing its attention on other projects.

According to Bloomberg, Facebook will no longer have users upload podcasts to its service starting this week and plans on removing podcasts altogether from its platform by June 3. Furthermore, it plans to discontinue its central audio hub and Soundbites, its short-form audio feature.

It was added by a Meta spokesperson that no specific date is set for when Soundbite and audio hub would close its doors but is expected to do so in the coming weeks. It was also noted that Facebook doesn’t plan on releasing an official statement and will leave publishers on deciding how they would want to disclose the news.

There is no doubt that the podcast market has grown exponentially in recent years with Spotify, Apple, and Amazon leading the charge. It’s sad to see that Facebook has not been able to catch up in the space. However, this would enable Facebook to focus more on building their “Metaverse” and also their Reels found on Facebook and Instagram.

“We’re constantly evaluating the features we offer so we can focus on the most meaningful experiences,” – Meta Spokesperson in an email to Bloomberg.

What do you think of Facebook leaving the podcast space? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.