The rumored voice transformer feature may be inching towards an official announcement.
But even if it doesn’t end up being officially announced, here are the benefits we think could come from introducing a feature like this…
What to Know About Twitter Spaces’ Voice Transformer
In July, Jane Manchun Wong found the voice transformer’s code and shared her discovery on Twitter. What officially confirmed the feature was Danny Singh from the Research and Strategy team for Twitter Spaces posting a video of different effects you can use, which Wong added to her original thread.
While it could just be an experimental feature, we think it could make an interesting permanent addition to the platform.
As such, it’s worth thinking about the pros and cons of using it. The benefits are far greater, but there are minor risks you should be aware of. Let’s start with the positives.
1. Fun Effects for Your Voice
The first thing users will probably do is find the funniest effects available. Considering Helium, Cartoon, and Bee are among the voice transformer’s options, expect a flood of creations on Twitter, if not other platforms too.
You’ll be able to amuse followers with fun audio posts.
Once the enthusiasm dies down, however, reining in the effects would be wise or you may drive people away instead.
2. You Could Create Impressive Audio
As Twitter’s audio platform becomes more accessible because of further upgrades like the dedicated Spaces tab in development, it should also become super easy to quickly record and post snippets that will wow followers.
Voice effects can definitely help with that. Just like camera filters, you should be able to swipe to the quality you want for your voice. Then, you can pretend you’re in space or a stadium.
A bit of flair with the right content goes a long way towards immersing listeners.
3. Voice Effects Are Great for Self-Esteem
It’s very normal to be shocked when you hear your own voice, but some people downright dislike the way they sound and find it hard to communicate. The voice transformer feature would be a dream come true for these people.
It would let you enhance your voice and deliver audio content with confidence. You’ll be able to spend more time giving shape to ideas and less time stressing over your vocal qualities. Eventually, you may build up the courage to use your real voice.
4. You Could Disguise Your Voice for Anonymity
Say you want to create a new Twitter profile for your brand, but want to use a pseudonym. Once you hit the follower threshold for Spaces, you won’t need to rely just on written and visual content anymore. You could share audio with a disguised voice.
On a more serious note, if people can hide their real voices, they might feel more comfortable contributing to discussions on heated or sensitive topics, even sharing personal stories. Done right, voice effects could lead to honest and constructive exchanges.
Downsides of Voice Effects
While there are potential benefits to the voice transformer feature, there could also be drawbacks. In terms of the Spaces voice transformer, it could go wrong in three key ways…
1. Online Abuse
A vocal disguise gives bullies a new mask to hide behind while hurling insults. Haters in general will be able to properly rant, instead of just typing their thoughts.
If the transformer does come into play, Twitter’s measures, especially in dealing with abuse on Spaces, need upgrading too, so that admin and users can tackle verbal harassment as effectively as possible, despite any masking effects.
2. Scams
Voice effects are likely to open the doors to new scamming methods too. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to trick people into sharing details or clicking a link, especially if they’re having fun and not paying attention.
Users would have to be extra vigilant when dealing with each other. Verbal communication can sweep you into bad situations easier than talking to someone through texts or emails.
3. Difficulty Building Trust
On the other side of the coin, using Spaces with a fake voice could make you seem suspicious. Even if you create an alias for purely artistic reasons, it won’t be easy to get people to trust you or take you seriously.
To counter this problem, you’d need to establish your brand as legitimate and build rapport with your audience. Putting the voice effects aside, now and then, would be a step in the right direction.
Fully Explore Twitter’s Potential
Twitter is working hard to make its platform irreplaceable. A feature like voice effects would give people on Spaces a new and comfortable way to express themselves and interact with others, whether it’s for personal or professional use.
Risks are a given on any social platform, but careful use and actively countering threats can help you enjoy everything else. Don’t be afraid to check out all available tools, from Twitter Blue to TweetDeck. You never know what might come in handy.
