The Metaverse is not far away and has begun knocking on our doors! But the Audio Metaverse is already in! As an extension to the physical or digital reality with an added dimension of interactive audio experience. Just put on a pair of headphones and immerse yourself in the new audible reality.
The very first experiences of Audio Metaverse are spatial audio or 3-D audio as some call it. It transports you to a world where the experience is anchored by the audio and works with no visual stimuli.
A fine example of this is the virtual barber shop haircut.
More than just immersion
Let's have a look at a few experiences that are going to completely change through virtual audio in the Metaverse:
Podcasts
Imagine your favorite podcast as an auditorium experience in your own living room (someone may name it audiotorium;-))
Storytelling
This one is already happening on services like Spotify where Audiodrama is on the rise and soon it will be immersive as well.
Virtual Assistance
Google home and Echo Dot are the stepping stones of futuristic virtual assistance.
Audio Books
There is a great potential for audio books to take place in a spatial audio universe just like 3D movies.
Music Streaming
Streaming music in spatial audio is already happening and few music records and artists are planning for the release of the music exclusively in spatial audio
Live Concerts
Imagine listening to your favorite artists as if you were in the audience at a live concert.
The Audio Metaverse has the potential to make its mark real soon because of the ease of accessibility and reach it can provide. The reason? It is a lot more economical as compared to building the visual Metaverse as no other infrastructure like VR headsets is required.
Opportunities for brands
Brands are already trying their hands on the Metaverse and they can build on that experience through audio and sonic branding as it operates with lesser constraints. They could get really creative and introduce spatial ads or brand triggers that smoothly fit into the above-mentioned experiences. The engagement brands crave can be built in the Audio Metaverse through interactive and immersive audio experiences.
The brands capitalizing on the Audio Metaverse are going to have a good head start in strengthening their brand equity! So, if you are a brand marketer you should definitely explore ways to integrate brand triggers and ads in the Audio Metaverse soon.
And if you are a die-hard audio enthusiast just lean back and await a whole new world of sonic experiences - just waiting to be unfolded.