Twitter Acquires Breaker to Strengthen Twitter Spaces Team
In a strategic move to enhance its audio capabilities, Twitter has acquired social podcasting app Breaker. The deal, announced via official blog posts and tweets, will see Breaker’s team joining Twitter to focus on improving public conversations and developing Twitter Spaces, the platform’s live audio chat feature.
Key Details of the Acquisition
- Breaker’s app transition: Originally set to shut down on January 15, 2021, Breaker’s app will now be operated by Maple Media (per Breaker’s blog update).
- Team integration: Breaker’s co-founders—CEO Erik Berlin (ex-140 Proof) and CTO Leah Culver (creator of Pownce/OAuth)—will join Twitter alongside designer Emma Lundin.
- Focus area: Culver will specifically contribute to Twitter Spaces, Twitter’s answer to Clubhouse-style audio networking.
Why Breaker Was a Strategic Fit
Founded in 2016, Breaker reimagined podcasting as a social experience, allowing users to:
- Like/comment on episodes
- Discover podcasts through friend networks
- Share shows on social media
“We’re inspired by Twitter’s role in global conversations,” wrote CEO Erik Berlin, highlighting the alignment with Twitter’s mission.
Twitter Spaces: The Bigger Picture
Launched in beta in December 2020, Twitter Spaces enables real-time voice chats—a feature gaining traction during the pandemic. However, challenges remain:
- Technical refinement: Debugging live audio functionality
- Moderation complexities: Addressing toxicity in voice-based interactions
Twitter’s acquisition signals a commitment to compete in the booming social audio market, joining rivals like Clubhouse and Facebook Live Audio Rooms.
Industry Context: Podcasting’s M&A Trend
This acquisition follows notable podcasting deals:
- Amazon’s $300M Wondery purchase
- SiriusXM’s $300M Stitcher acquisition
- Spotify’s content spending spree
Unlike these content-focused deals, Twitter’s Breaker purchase emphasizes talent and technology—aligning with its strategy of curating rather than creating content.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
Potential Wins for Twitter
- Gains expertise from Breaker’s innovative team
- Strengthens position in the $3.3B social audio market (Grand View Research)
- Capitalizes on pandemic-driven demand for virtual connection
Lingering Questions
- Can Twitter effectively moderate live audio conversations?
- Will voice networking sustain post-pandemic?
- How will Spaces differentiate from Clubhouse?
“The real test,” observes industry analysts, “will be whether Twitter can make audio networking both engaging and safe—without amplifying its existing moderation struggles.”
For Breaker users, the transition includes exporting subscriptions via OPML files to alternatives like Spotify or Overcast before January 15. Podcast hosts can migrate via RSS feeds.
This acquisition underscores Twitter’s ambition to evolve beyond text—but whether audio becomes its next growth engine remains to be heard.
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