Toronto-based Qwyrk Media launches App that adds Audio to Messaging and Social Media

Between email, text messages, Facebook, Instagram, and Vine, there are many ways to send and share photos and videos already, but the social audio space remains largely ignored. Fortunately there is now a solution for those who want to send a quirky sound effect with a text message, part of their favorite song in an email, or post a famous movie quote on social media.

Qwyrk Media, a Toronto-based application developer, announced today the launch of a new application that lets users to add up to 24 seconds of a song, movie clip, or sound effect to an email, Facebook post, or tweet.

The app lets users browse through a collection of millions of licensed audio tracks from top record labels, movie studios, and sound effect libraries, to compliment any tweet, post, or email.

“Communication and entertainment have become one,” said Qwyrk CEO Jonathan Otis, in a press release. “Apps like Instagram, Vine and Snapchat re-defined social messaging by introducing new ways to make digital communication more fun, engaging and entertaining. Qwyrk is going to re-define the social audio space by providing quality audio content that can be personalized and shared with anyone, anytime to suit any occasion or theme.”

The free app is currently available in the Apple App Store and will be introduced to Android and desktop platforms in the early fall. While the app must be downloaded to send a Qwyrk sound effect the receiver won’t need the app to hear it.

“People have a basic need to be understood and Qwyrk offers a way to satisfy that need beyond emoticons and ‘LOL’s,” said Qwyrk Partner Doug Checkeris, in a press release. “We’re excited by its potential. Qwyrk provides an amazing range of content—from Katy Perry to Cole Porter and Billy Madison to Jaws along with lots of fun sound effects. During pre-launch testing, users were enthusiastic about the app’s features. Participating music labels have also embraced Qwyrk and are planning to use it to promote some of their top artists.”

Jared Lindzon

Jared Lindzon

Jared Lindzon is a freelance journalist and public speaker based in Toronto. Lindzon's reporting focuses on the future of work, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. Beyond his regular columns in Fast Company's WorkLife section and The Globe & Mail's Careers section, Lindzon has also been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, The BBC, TIME Magazine, Rolling Stone, Fortune Magazine and many more. As a public speaker, interviewer and moderator Lindzon frequently shares the insights he's gathered through his reporting at conferences and events around the world. Lindzon received an MA in Journalism and an Honours BA in Media Studies from Western University.

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