Spaces, the live audio feature from X, has introduced a new capability, allowing hosts to activate video during chat sessions. The announcement was made by the platform, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday, with owner/CTO Elon Musk sharing a walkthrough by a user named “Dogedesigner.”
In this latest update, Spaces users will now find a “enable video” option when initiating a new session. Hosts can choose between their phone’s front or back-facing cameras and select either a landscape or vertical view for their video feed.
It’s worth noting that the Video Spaces feature is currently available on the iOS version of the X app, with no confirmation of its availability on Android or the web. Users experimenting with the feature have reported notable lag issues.
While the addition of video to Spaces may seem reminiscent of the now-defunct Periscope, it’s crucial to clarify that X already has a live broadcast feature allowing users to stream video on their profiles and followers’ timelines. Periscope, in its earlier iteration, did include a feature for hosts to invite guests to participate in live broadcasts.
Presently, only hosts have the ability to activate video in Spaces. The outcome is a prominent display of the host’s video feed, surrounded by icons representing co-hosts, speakers, and listeners. The setup may resemble platforms like Twitch, though Spaces allows selected audience members to engage at any moment. Notably, a host’s video feed is exclusive to the Spaces session, requiring users to join the session to access it.
Elon Musk’s initial description of Spaces with video suggested a format similar to a videoconferencing or video call app like FaceTime, where the video feed switches based on the current speaker. However, the current implementation prominently features the host’s video feed, with smaller icons representing other participants in the room, akin to Twitch.
It’s essential to distinguish the new video integration in X Spaces from the platform’s existing live broadcast feature, which enables users to directly livestream video. Spaces serves as a live chatroom, allowing multiple users to join and participate in conversations, while traditional live broadcasts limit the audience to commenting or sending hearts.
X Spaces Embraces Video in Response to Rising Demand for Interactive Content
This move by X to incorporate video into Spaces aligns with broader trends in social media and communication platforms. The demand for immersive and interactive content has been steadily growing, driven by users’ desire for more engaging experiences online. By enabling video in Spaces, X is tapping into this demand and positioning itself to compete more effectively in the increasingly crowded social media landscape.
Moreover, the decision to introduce video comes at a time when live audio has seen a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the success of platforms like Clubhouse. With the addition of video, X Spaces has the potential to attract a wider audience and differentiate itself from competitors, offering a unique combination of audio and visual elements in a live chatroom setting.
However, the rollout of Video Spaces has not been without its challenges. Reports of significant lag issues raise concerns about the platform’s performance and reliability, which could impact user satisfaction and adoption. Addressing these technical issues will be crucial for X to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for users.
Furthermore, the introduction of video in Spaces raises questions about privacy and moderation. As users gain the ability to broadcast live video, there is a need for robust moderation tools to prevent abuse and harassment. Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all users will be essential for X to maintain trust and credibility.
Looking ahead, the success of Video Spaces will depend on X’s ability to iterate and improve the feature based on user feedback. By listening to the needs and preferences of its community, X can continue to innovate and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving social media landscape.
