Clubhouse is a social media app that has two pretty cool things going for it. First there is an international aspect that’s dazzling. People speaking dozens of languages from all over the world are on the platform. I’ve even met someone from Mongolia, and am constantly in rooms with people from Britain, Australia, Canada, and dozens more countries.
Second, there’s no video. Meaning there’s no pressure to make videos, be on camera, put your makeup on, or be self-conscious about how you look. I LOVE this part.
So what is it? Clubhouse is an audio-only platform where you can start a room based on a topic and others can join the room and conversation. You can bring people up to the “stage” who have raised their hand.
Think of it this way: Clubhouse is like hundreds of live radio stations, or perhaps hundreds of interactive live podcasts. The platform hosts both personal and business conversations, so there is a lot of noise to wade through, but that’s true of every social app.
While in a room, everyone can see everyone else’s avatar. Clicking on other people’s avatars is encouraged and brings up a bio and direct links to the person’s Twitter and Instagram accounts. Unlike Twitter, you have lots of space on Clubhouse to build an extensive bio, and this is primarily how other people in the room can get to know you, along with hearing what you have to say.
Why Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is ideal for news announcements, interviews, coaching Q&A, and even classes and lectures. The big difference from live stages is that there are usually multiple people on stage – think 30-50 sometimes – and it’s best to host a room with several other people at a time to bring in multiple areas of expertise and points of view.
The Future of Clubhouse
I do think this one is going somewhere. The founders are hands-on, well-grounded, and enthusiastic. The platform is addictive and has its own vocabulary and culture. The growth is record-breaking.
One thing that could possibly cause Clubhouse to falter is that post-pandemic behavior on the platform may change as people get more options back in their lives. Another thing that could crush the app is if the founders sell too early to one of the bigger platforms.
Interestingly but not surprisingly, Twitter has already partially rolled out Twitter Spaces, and other platforms are busy building competing features.
About Clubhouse
Clubhouse was launched in March 2020. In December 2020, there were 600,000 members. In January 2021, membership jumped to 6 million. As of February 21, 2021, Paul Davison (co-founder) reported 10 million members.
At this time, the app is valued at around $1 billion.
Getting into Clubhouse
If you want into Clubhouse, you must have a mobile phone number, either an iPhone or iPad, and an invitation from a current member. Clubhouse is expected to incorporate Androids into the experience mid-summer 2021.
If or when you get on Clubhouse, make sure to look me up: @sandileyva.
