Clubhouse: Is this Audio-Only Social Network the Next Big Thing? [Guide]

Are you ready to learn the secrets of Clubhouse, the trendy and viral social media app on everyone’s radar?

Ever since its debut last year, Clubhouse has dominated the charts, the chatter, and redefined our notions of social media as we know it. The audio-only social media platform offers a simple yet powerful premise — speak and listen. Bring back the appeal of human conversations in a virtual setting.

But even now, a lot of folks want to know what makes it tick beyond the hype. In short, they want to know why and how the invite-only Clubhouse app can be worth their while.

Let’s strap on those belts because we are going to answer your burning questions about this red-hot app.

Is Clubhouse free to use?

Short answer, yes. Until a few months ago, you needed an exclusive invite to use, but just a week ago,?Clubhouse opened its door to all?. You no longer need an invite to join Clubhouse.

What platforms are supported by Clubhouse?

This app initially started out as an iOS app. But now, it is available on Android as well. As of May 2021, Clubhouse boasts over 10 million registered users. That’s pretty impressive for an app that debuted in April 2020. Why? Because Instagram, before it became the behemoth it is today, hit the 10-million mark in roughly the same time.

What does it offer?

Facebook and Twitter may have all the users, but Clubhouse is where the talking takes place. This is because Clubhouse is based on audio, and only audio. Users can hear live conversations happening around them, opt to join in, or just tune in and listen to them. Exactly like you could in any real-life party or social event!

Unlike Twitter tweets and Facebook status updates, Clubhouse does not store conversations. Yes, this means the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is touted as an app feature! At least for now.

Clubhouse has attracted tons of celebrities who regularly deliver talks, interact with fans (and critics!), and chill. Sure, a textual reply over Twitter from your favorite celeb is nice (when you can get it that is), but Clubhouse basically gives you the chance to say hello and hear back directly from your idols! Jared Leto, Estelle, Oprah, Chriss Rock and Elon Musk are some high-profile celebrities on Clubhouse who have interacted with thousands of fans already. This isn’t a mere interview they did, but a real-time conversation with their fans.

The ephemeral aspect of conversations in Clubhouse means that you have to be there at the right place and time to experience it. The concept of Rooms has grown so popular that even Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat are developing their answer to it. You know what they say about imitation and flattery.

How big are conversations in a Clubhouse Room?

It depends. Normally, you can have 5,000 people in a single room. But for high-profile celebrity talks, the app removes restrictions. The good thing is, these conversations can happen anywhere you are.

Ok I’m sold. Now, how do I get started?

It’s a good thing that Clubhouse no longer restricts one user to one invite but that means if you’ve been in the waiting list (around 10 million people are currently on the waitlist), you’ll be added gradually.

If you’re new, simply download the app from?Google Play?or?App Store?sign up by entering your number, verify with the code, enter your details and get started!

Once in, select your rooms or join people you’re interested to talk with — this could be celebrities, local icons, influencers etc.

How to set up your Clubhouse Profile

Congratulations on getting inside the truly exclusive world of Clubhouse. It is time to set up your profile.

You will need to:

1. Find a good profile picture (because duh).

2. Write a nifty little bio that perfectly captures who you are. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself what your goals are.

For the best results, make sure you use the first three lines matter (about 125 characters). This is because that’s what other users will see when they preview your profile.

There’s no character limit with your bio. But keeping it short and sweet is the smart play (also, Clubhouse will alert you if it’s a wee bit long).

Should I link my other social media profiles with Clubhouse?

Of course! Your Clubhouse bio includes links to your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. So this is entirely up to you.

Is Clubhouse worth it?

We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again. Clubhouse may be an exclusive platform for now, but its competitors are sitting up and taking notice by copying its main features.

But more than anything, Clubhouse represents a good starting point to learn how to build up your audio-only social media profile. People thought TikTok wasn’t hot and then, we all know the rest. Judging by its year-long growth, history tells us that Clubhouse has all the sticky social elements to help you go places.

Can I build a brand with it?

If you are on the fence about investing time on a relatively new social media app, consider the fact that it remains hot and popular right now. You can build a brand by bolstering its reputation and community on Clubhouse right here, right now.

Sure, some apps and their popularity fade away with time. But the sheer amount of influencers, entrepreneurs, celebrities, marketers, creatives, and journalists who have boarded the Clubhouse bandwagon so far are a testament to its status as an established social media platform. It is niche and limited alright, but its user base has swelled by leaps and bounds during the last three months.

To build your brand, you have to do more than just listening. You have to contribute by adding value to a conversation.

Clubhouse is here. While it’s too early to say whether it’s staying or just a proverbial flash in the pan, the numbers and the quality of interactions are encouraging. So go ahead, let’s make the most of it.

And while you’re at it, join me on Clubhouse here for exciting talks on product launch, product marketing & crowdfunding!?https://www.clubhouse.com/@iamsamitpatel

#clubhouseguide #clubhousereview #clubhousesuccess #clubhousesecrets #clubhouse #crowdfunding #productmarketing #productlaunch

Originally published here.