A Close Look At Clubhouse
What is Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is an audio-based social media app created by Alpha Exploration Co. The app allows you to jump in and out of different chats, on different subjects. It has been compared to live podcast style content. Users can simply listen or choose to throw in their thoughts/opinions on the subject.
Currently, you still can’t join the platform without an invite. However, if you're an iPhone user, you can download the app and reserve a username, for when you do receive an invite. There are plans to expand to the general public soon. However this hasn't been done yet for two key reasons: Firstly, Clubhouse wants to build its community slowly and secondly, it wants to prepare features that will help them handle a larger user base. Right now the easiest way to get an invite is to reach out to your online network and let them know you want in.
How many users world-wide?
There are over 2 million weekly active users on the app as of January 2021.
What makes it different?
Clubhouse is the first solely audio based social media platform. Clubhouse describes itself as "a new type of social product based on voice [that] allows people everywhere to talk, tell stories, develop ideas, deepen friendships, and meet interesting new people around the world."
Privacy
Within Clubhouse there's no recording of conversations and they're not saved, therefore no audio leaves the app. However, like many social startups before it, the company neglected to develop or enforce strong community guidelines before launch leading to issues for the brand in the middle of last year but the brand are working towards rectifying this currently.
What do brands need to know
- Clubhouse has the potential to build an engaged community of customers and grow the influence of your brand by creating rooms on topics that relate to your brand and provide valuable conversations. Just like any other social platforms users can check out your brand profile and follow you. Next time your brand goes live, your followers will receive a notification so they can tune in.
- Clubhouse is a social listening tool. You can follow influential people in your industry, keep tabs on competitors, and watch the categories related to your niche. Your brand can soon have a dedicated timeline giving you information on trends, industry news, and audience sentiment in your sector.
- Once a brand starts to grow an audience on Clubhouse, the app can be used to announce company news. It gives brands a chance to bring its values to the forefront and have meaningful discussions with their audience. Has your brand got a launch coming up? Create a room with your audience to announce it. It may prove an excellent way to build anticipation within the brand community and get instant feedback from customers.