The New Way Of Connecting: Clubhouse

The Clubhouse is a new social media app, developed primarily for IOS users but is now available on Android too. It is an invite-only app that allows users to host and join audio conversations. Despite it being exclusive, Clubhouse already has over a million users.

The clubhouse has been creating a buzz in the world of social media since its launch in 2020. Currently, it is valued at $1 billion after receiving $100 million in funding from Andreessen Horowitz from Silicon Valley in January 2020. Appearances from Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have further boosted awareness of the app, alongside its quick ban in China.

The clubhouse is focused on letting users create audio rooms and join group chats. Still, in its early days, Clubhouse is ad-free and has no sign-up cost. The only way to join the app is through an invite from one of its existing members. It is creating a new way of interacting and influencing each other. With many celebrities getting on board with the app, including Elon Musk, that people are selling its invites online.

This invite-only app is developed by Alpha Exploration Co. and co-founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Paul Davison and former Google employee Rohan Seth. Launched back in April 2020, just as the world was shutting down due to the ongoing pandemic. With everyone locked in their homes, the application quickly became popular.

Just like any other social media app, Clubhouse lets the user create a profile showing the people you follow and those following you, along with a list of virtual chartrooms you are a part of. Using the algorithm, the app lets you schedule and LIVE chats that could be of interest to the user. Though only the ‘host’ can talk until and unless the listener ‘raises their hand’ and the host accepts their request to contribute.

The app's popularity increased once celebrities Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Ai Weiwei, Lindsay Lohan, and Roger Stone joined the bandwagon along with Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

The impact of Clubhouse on the influencer culture cannot yet be assessed as the app is too new, but the team behind the app did announce a “creator grant program” to support emerging Clubhouse creators. Unlike other social media apps, Clubhouse would not be running ads but would monetize through tipping, paid rooms, or premium features for power users.

The rise of Clubhouse may follow a similar trajectory to Discord, Patreon, Onlyfans, and Substack. These platforms may mark the return to quality content that people want to pay for. Fans are running to the Clubhouse because they get to see the unscripted off-camera version of the people they care about.

By:Deeksha Goyal