Clubhouse is THE new audio based social media app everybody is talking about.

Developed by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Paul Davison and ex-Google employee Rohan Seth, the app is a live audio social network where users can enter ‘‘rooms” to listen to conversations around a wide range of topics, as well as becoming part of the discussion. It is also possible to host your own room for open, social or closed chats.

Celebrities are signing up in their droves, with Drake and Oprah amongst the early adopters. The community is growing fast, almost 1m users so far, with 2021 set to see the app roll out with the help of some major funding.

iPhone users can download the app from the Apple store and reserve a username. However, as it is still in beta testing, its exclusivity means you’ll be added to the waiting list unless you receive an invite via a friend or colleague. Each person gets to invite a handful of friends once their application is successful.

If your interest is piqued, rest assured, Clubhouse says it will be released to the wider public very soon.

Need to know

  • At this early stage it is exclusive to iOS users only
  • You can only participate after receiving an invitation
  • It is live and interactive. Press the button at the bottom of the screen with the little hand icon on it and it’ll notify the moderator that you’ve got something to say
  • Discussions can take place in public or in closed rooms
  • It’s current exclusivity is helping to fuel its popularity
  • Your algorithm corresponds with both your address book and who you choose to follow.
  • Depending on your field of work/interest/friends, you’ll see chat rooms hosting talks on music, film, culture, race, tech and beauty
  • Provides a good opportunity for speakers to demonstrate expertise & thought leadership fo2 B2B clients
  • Natural content fits in a variety of topic related rooms
  • No paid opportunities may mean a lack of longevity for ‘experts’

Pushback

  • Clubhouse has received some backlash over alleged leniency with harassment protocols and failure to moderate rooms appropriately
  • There are also concerns over the risk of hate speech. Back in October Clubhouse released a statementcondemning anti-Blackness, anti-Semitism, hate speech and abuse, and followed up with a list of guidelines and rules it intends to implement. This includes allowing moderators to block, report and mute in-house rooms and investigating violations immediately.
  • Other potential problems include data risks due to the app being able to access to private contacts
  • Whilst great for networking and informal discussions about creative industries, many are wary of ideas being stolen from lesser-known moderators