ClubHouse: All About the Newest Social Audio App
An Audio & Once Invite Only Social Media App
What is ClubHouse?
A voice based app which you can participate in conversation through audio
It serves as a place to meet new people, tell stories, ask questions and learn
You are able to “drop in” to conversations and just listen, or “raise” your hand to speak
Who is the founder of Clubhouse?
Paul Davison, a previous Google intern and Stanford alum is the current CEO of Clubhouse. Davison is an entrepreneur whose found success in developing apps. Not only did he co-found Clubhouse, Davison also created an app called Highlight, which is now acquired by Pinterest.
How Does Clubhouse Work?
Think of Clubhouse as a trendy Zoom room, without the video! It began as an invite only application that launched in March of 2021. It has since opened its doors and become a public application. Clubhouse serves as a conversational social media where you opt in to different chat rooms to listen or chime in on the topic being discussed. A unique aspect of Clubhouse is the control of the host. The person who creates the room has control over who can speak, and can also encourage contacts and other users to join in.
What Makes Clubhouse Unique?
Clubhouse is designed to curate conversation and interactions between unlikely participants. Unlike other social apps Clubhouse allows for engaging conversations that are live and unedited (almost like an interactive podcast or an online TED Talk).
Using this application means that you could join into a conversation with celebrities! Oprah, Mark Cuban, Chris Rock and Van Jones have used Clubhouse (OprahDaily). By creating a line of communication from celebrities to everyday people, Clubhouse offers a reachability other social apps do not have. Though Clubhouse has a unique concept, competing with popular social media apps today proves to be challenging.
Clubhouse VS. Twitter Spaces
Twitter came out with an addition to there application called Spaces. Twitter Spaces has an almost identical concept to Clubhouse.
“Spaces unlocks conversations on Twitter with the depth and power only the human voice can bring. These ephemeral, live audio conversations allow for open, authentic, and unfiltered discussions, and there’s a Space for any and every topic and conversation, from small and intimate to millions of listeners.”
- Twitter Media
Though Twitter does not own Clubhouse they did attempt to aqurire it in April of 2021 for $4 billion (Time). When Clubhouse declined, Twitter decided to create their own version, Spaces. With an already established user base Twitter Spaces has a pre-destined outcome of success.
Should You Download Clubhouse?
After trying out the application myself, I found that Clubhouse may need a more populated user base. The concept and execution of the app itself is great, but the users and the content available seems to be lacking. Davison expressed how they hope to eventually pay creators to host discussions (Time). By paying larger creators to host discussions, Clubhouse could benefit by a new and increased audience. With more development Clubhouse has the opportunity to become the new alternative to radio shows and podcasts!
Sources:
10 Things You Didn't Know About Paul Davison
ClubHouse is the new Social Media App Everyone's Talking About- But Few are Invited To