Clubhouse Is the New Social App That Has Captured Everyone’s Attention. But What Is It All About?
If you thought you clicked on this article for some Mickey Mouse production, you thought wrong. This is the Clubhouse you wished you had built as a kid, with the “no girls allowed” sign taped to the door. Let’s find out if we can get invited to the Clubhouse app!
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1
What Is Clubhouse and Who Created It?
Aluxers, it doesn’t get more exclusive than this invitation-only audio chat app that’s barely been around one year! There are no random posts from people you regret stalking, no photographs of children with chocolate smeared across their grubby faces and no videos of the Tik Tok Pasta… it’s just a profile picture and audio. That’s it.
You can listen to audio from every topic imaginable, where thousands of others are listening too, or the conversation can be as intimate as a newly engaged couple.
The app was launched in April 2020 by Paul Davison and Rohan Seth of Alpha Exploration Co.
The Clubhouse app is like the amalgamation of a podcast, conference call and social media rolled into one.
Let’s see who’s on it…
2
What Has Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg Got to Do With It?
Elon Musk played a pivotal role in pushing Signal, as we mentioned in our video “15 Things You Didn’t Know About SIGNAL,” Musk encouraged people to sign up to the platform by using these expressive words, “Use Signal.”
Well, between Musk and Zuckerberg, they’ve added value to Clubhouse by joining the App. Zuckerberg’s username is allegedly “Zuck23” according to businessinsider.com and Musk is there too, along with a host of other celebs which we’ll delve into next.
Before we get there, remember to subscribe to our channel – we have so much on Alux that you’ll enjoy.
3
Who Uses It?
The crème de la crème, that’s for sure. Aside from Zuckerberg and Musk, there’s Oprah, Kevin Hart, Drake, Virgil Abloh, Ashton Kutcher, Tiffany Haddish, Jared Leto and Chris Rock – and that’s merely scratching the surface.
The first influencer on the app was Sheel Mohnot, the founder of Better Tomorrow Ventures. He’s often featured on “Back of the Bus,” which is an after-hours Clubhouse room.
He has since connected with Scooter Braun on Clubhouse, a record executive and has been featured in music videos with Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, according to influencermarketinghub.com.
We’re about to find out exactly how popular the new kid on the block is…
4
How Popular Is Clubhouse?
According to businessofapps.com, the Clubhouse app had 10 million downloads by February 2021, with 6 million users.
These figures are impressive considering it’s invite only.
And users admit they are spending hours on the app each week. As mentioned in the New York Times online, “one woman recently discussed spending more than 40 hours a week on the app…”
Suffice to say, it’s extremely popular.
5
How Does It Work?
There are a number of things that set Clubhouse apart from other chat platforms, but the significant one is it’s voice only and it’s in real time.
There are “rooms” or “clubs” hosting different talks which users can join. We’ll highlight some of the clubs a little later.
You can pick and choose what you’d like to listen to and find better matches to suit your interests. You can follow certain people or clubs and get notified each time they take the stage.
If you want to add a room, you can. You can choose to keep it open, social, or closed and you can ping certain people to join. The open room allows anyone to join in the conversation, a social room is only for people you’re directly linked to on the app and closed is private.
Sadly Aluxers, if you don’t have the right phone, you can’t join the App…
6
It’s Only for iOS Users
So, bad news, if you’re trying to download the App while reading this article – and you’re on Android, you’re not going to manage because at this stage it’s only for iOS users.
Don’t despair though, as it’s only a matter of time before it’s available on Android. Cnbc.com reported that, “Clubhouse has hired Android software developer Mopewa Ogundipe, signaling that the startup has begun development of a version of its app for the popular mobile operating system created by Google.”
If you’re loving the fact that Apple is currently the only device you can get this exclusive app on, then you’ll enjoy our video – 15 Things You Didn’t Know About Tim Cook- where we go into depth about the CEO of Apple Inc.
7
Rules You Need to Know About
Aluxers, if you’re going to be rubbing shoulders with the elite, then you’re going to have to play by the rules. The first rule of Clubhouse is: you do not talk about Clubhouse… nah, we’re kidding… we can’t stop talking about Clubhouse!
A few to remember. When you take the stage, always mute yourself first. It gives a chance for background noise to be removed. Remember to show your appreciation to the speaker by clicking the mute / unmute button quickly. This is an indication that you’re clapping hands for that person.
Before joining a room, there are rules you must read and abide by. Respect the space. It’s like playing golf. You wouldn’t speak while someone is about to take a shot, so don’t speak when it’s not your turn either.
And if the panel doesn’t appreciate your bad behaviour, they can and will kick you out.
8
Privacy Issues You Need to Know About
Forbes.com published an article highlighting the flaws in the privacy system of Clubhouse. The article, titled, “Clubhouse: The Hot New Social Network Has Big Privacy Problems,” by Barry Collins claims that “Clubhouse is already raising privacy concerns – even for those who haven’t joined!”
Several areas are of concern regarding privacy.
– When signing up new members, you give access to your phone’s contacts allowing you to connect with other users on the platform. However, that information was being used by Clubhouse app to build profiles of people who haven’t signed up as members. Without those people even considering signing up, Clubhouse had access to their personal information.
– An incident emerged where chats from a closed platform were streamed to a 3rd party website.
– Some are sceptical of the recording of chats, especially in private rooms. Clubhouse explains their reasons as, “Solely for the purpose of supporting incident investigations, we temporarily record the audio in a room while the room is live.”
9
What Clubs Can You Join on Clubhouse?
In a nutshell, any kind of club and room under the sun. There’s talk shows, networking, political discussions, music and more. A few of the clubs include, Smiling & Positivity, NBA Fan Club, TikTok Marketing Secrets, Dear Young Queen, Fit, Muslims & Friends and … you get the gist.
There is something for everyone.
It’s time to talk money…
10
What Is Clubhouse Worth?
Clubhouse was launched in April of 2020. Within a month, it was valued at almost $100 million. Fast-forward to January 2021 and it’s been valued at $1 billion!
It’s not exactly clear how the app will be monetized, but suggestions like ticketed events, tips for creators and paid subscriptions have been brought forward.
Founders, Paul Davison and Rohan Seth, are working on a Creator Grant Program that will see the apps influencers being remunerated.
On the Clubhouse blog, they confirm they currently have 180 investors.
11
Clubhouse Beats Instagram, Tiktok, Zoom, Whatsapp
Tae Kim wrote an article for theprint.in where she confirms that, “according to mobile-app analytics research firm App Annie, Clubhouse reached No. 1 at Apple Inc.’s App Store in more than 30 countries this year, meaning it is now a more popular download than Instagram, TikTok, Zoom or WhatsApp in those markets.”
She further adds that a platform like Clubhouse is a good thing, because it will allow healthier conversations. She says, “The main problem with the traditional players such as Facebook and Twitter is that their advertising-focused business models incentivize the worst types of content.
Because they generate more revenue from increased page views and ad impressions, they are more likely to turn a blind eye to conspiracy theories, harassment and misinformation that drive the most engagement on their platforms.” Be sure to read the full engaging article over here.
But all is not bad in the world of other social media apps. Believe it or not, people earn a lot through TikTok. Check out 10 Highest Earning Tiktokers of 2020.
12
Facebook Is Already Creating a Product to Compete With Clubhouse
Facebook spokeswoman, Emilie Haskell, confirmed that, “We’ve been connecting people through audio and video technologies for many years and are always exploring new ways to improve that experience for people.”
So, what does that exactly mean for Facebook? Exactly what you think – they’ll be developing audio chat rooms, similar to Clubhouse. In this case, they couldn’t just buy Clubhouse, so they’re emulating it. But Aluxers, it’s not just Facebook that wants to copy the App, Twitter is on board too, testing a feature called Spaces.
The race is on…
13
Why Has Clubhouse Been Blocked in China?
For a very brief time, China could download the App. But those days are gone, as Clubhouse is now blocked in China.
When it was still available, there were rooms titled, “How long will Clubhouse last in China” and “Have you been invited to have tea for using Clubhouse?” The latter meaning have you been taken in for interrogation.
Users can access the website but not the App, and the chances of the App being available are slim to none as it would have to change its model significantly to comply with Chinese internet regulations.
14
How Can You Make Money From the Platform?
Thismoney.co.uk lists several ways in which you’ll be able to make money from Clubhouse:
– There are certain rooms, much like Dragon’s Den, where you could look for investment for something you’ve developed.
– Brand partnerships are possible.
– Sponsored rooms.
– Membership fees for certain clubs or rooms.
– You could be a panellist if you have the right skills or knowledge.
– You could receive tips.
– You could promote your products.
Just abide by the rules and don’t be excessive and persevere… it does take time.
We’ve saved the all-important question for last…
15
How Can You Get an Invite?
Well, you could buy one on e-Bay, but it’s best that you get a legit invite from someone already on the platform. Yep, the only proper way in, is by invite only.
But if you’re not willing to wait around, you could extend your reach on other platforms like Insta or Twitter, by simply hashtagging the App. The other option is to download the app and reserve your username, and it will pick up on who you automatically know, and if you’re lucky, send you a direct invite.
Question:
Aluxers, are you on the audio app? If so, we’d love to hear your experience of it.
