Facebook adds audio recognition in social TV push

Facebook is making a bigger push into the social TV space, taking on the likes of Shazam with a new audio recognition function for TV shows, movies and music. 

Due to roll out on Facebook’s iOS and Android apps in the US in the coming weeks, users will be able to click a new button while updating their status to identify and share what TV show or movie they are watching, or what song they are listening to.

The app will use the phone’s in-built microphone to identify the content, with the new function designed to make it quick and easy for users to share what media they are consuming without typing.

“If you share music, your friends can see a 30-second preview of the song.  For TV shows, the story in News Feed will highlight the specific season and episode you’re watching, so you can avoid any spoilers and join in conversations with your friends after you’ve caught up,” said Facebook.

The audio recognition tool will automatically look for a content match when the feature is turned on. Users can click the audio icon on or off at any time.

“If you leave the feature on, you will see the audio icon move and attempt to detect a match when you’re writing a status update. No sound is stored and you’ll always get to choose whether you post to your friends,” said Facebook.

The news comes in the same week that Facebook said it is expanding its premium, TV-style, video ads outside of the US to seven new international markets – including the European countries the UK, France and Germany.