Clubhouse is a chat room app that is exclusively audio-based, meaning it does not allow you to send photos or videos. Despite being launched in March 2020, the app only became popular in Brazil at the beginning of February, and in one week, Google searches increased by 525%.
Although it is still a closed network, which can only be accessed by invitation, and still only works for the iOS operating system (with no plans to launch for Android), the participation of personalities such as Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey and other big names has made people even more interested in participating in these conversations.
The app was created by Paul Davidson, an industrial engineer, and Rohan Seth, a communications scientist. For them, the platform allows you to “open different rooms full of people talking – all open for you to come and go, exploring different conversations. You enter each room as an audience member, but if you want to speak you just have to raise your hand and the speakers can invite you.”
Once inside the App, how does it work?
There are 3 ways to participate in conversations, the first is as a listener in a conversation between other users, the second is by clicking on the raised hand icon vietnam viral telegram to become a speaker, and the third is by creating your own room and starting a new chat. The maximum number of listeners is 5,000, the conversations take place live and cannot be recorded, and, for now, the entire application only works in English.
The main goal is to have a space to chat with friends, as well as meet new people from all over the world. You can create groups or events to discuss specific topics, and they will be suggested to other people, based on the list of interests created when joining the social network.
Why an audio-only app?
According to the creators, “Without a camera on, you don’t have to worry about eye contact, what you’re wearing, or where you are. You can chat on Clubhouse while you’re folding laundry, nursing, commuting, working on your couch in the basement, or going for a run. Instead of typing something and hitting send, you’re engaged in a back-and-forth conversation with someone.”
This argument is in line with market predictions that indicate that Generation Z (individuals aged 15 to 25) will revolutionize consumer habits, and audio is part of this process. Voice solutions such as home speakers, voice shopping and audiograms are already on the rise, while Spotify's Culture Next study pointed out that:
71% of respondents use audio to deal with anxiety and stress;
64% said they are listening to podcasts more often for information and entertainment;
93% of Brazilian parents who listen to podcasts said that this means of communication has become a very useful educational tool.
The Future of Clubhouse
Ways to monetize the content produced on the platform are already being studied. In a statement released in the first week of February, the company states that it wants to invest in content producers to add value to the use of the application. “We plan to launch our first tests to allow creators to be paid directly, through features such as tips, tickets or subscriptions,” says the statement. Another new feature planned for 2021 is the release of access, without the need for an invitation.
It is worth noting that the new social network also faces problems such as the difficulty of moderating audio content and security. Even though it has only been in operation for a short time, the community guidelines and terms of service have already been updated after receiving criticism for chats that featured hate speech and abuse. Another sensitive point is that when joining, you must allow the tool to access and store your contacts' data.