Is LinkedIn Live + audio-only Zoom better than Clubhouse?

Emily Wang, a LinkedIn user based out of China, was disappointed that she couldn’t join my Clubhouse events because she is an android users. She is not the only one. So I decided to create an event that feels like Clubhouse and yet would allow android users to join in.

“LinkedIn has now confirmed it’s also testing a social audio experience in its app which would allow creators on its network to connect with their community.” TechCrunch wrote on 30 Mar 2021. 

I hope my little experiment would also give LinkedIn developers an idea how an audio feature on LinkedIn might feel like.  

THE SETUP

On 30 Mar, together with my LinkedIn and Clubhouse connections, we did the world’s first ever “LinkedIn Live + audio-only Zoom” event. 

Chris Mattia, a LinkedIn Learning instructor was my co-host and remote live production manager for the event. Jiayi, a student from Yale-NUS, was my teaching assistant. 

Three of us went onto Zoom and we broadcast it to LinkedIn Live. 

I talked about social capital for a bit before sending out the Zoom link onto the LinkedIn Live chat, inviting the viewers to join us on Zoom. 

Some 20 participants from the audience came over to Zoom. To create the Clubhouse feel, the video function was turned off. A participants commented that she appreciated not having to turn on video just to speak for a minute.

Each participant on Zoom took turns to share or ask questions on social capital and career skills. Chris Saundle brought Clubhouse practice onto Zoom. He ended with “This is Chris Saundle and I am done speaking.”. Those familiar with Clubhouse had a good laugh. 

THE PROS

Networking - There was a lot networking going on among the audience while I was speaking. Some of them have seen each other on LinkedIn but never exchanged messages before. Networking started even before we went live as attendees can join the chat group that was set up on the day of the event. It is like the cocktail party before the main event of a conference.

More inclusive - Android users can experience how an audio-app feels like. 

More complete bio - Compared to the bio on Clubhouse, LinkedIn profiles usually have more complete information including past work experience and education.

Some visual - Since video for my co-host and me are turned on, Chris Mattia was able to demonstrate how he shrink himself to a corner of his slide.

Some text - On Clubhouse, if you are not on stage, there is nothing you can do to engage. On LinkedIn Live, you can type your comments anytime. So many viewers were typing “ppp”, the sound of clapping, making the whole event much more engaging.   

Recorded - LinkedIn Live is recorded, you can watch the session anytime if you miss it.

THE CONS

Not multitask - When you tap onto the profile of someone who makes a comment on LinkedIn Live chat, you will exit LinkedIn Live and the audio stops. In Clubhouse, you can look through other participants bio while the speakers are speaking 

Not seamless - When a participant is speaking on Zoom and if you want to look at her profile, you need to search for her comments on LinkedIn Live or search her name on LinkedIn. Speakers need to make it a point to introduce themselves in the comments section on LinkedIn Live to make it easier for viewers to connect with them. 

Technically more cumbersome - Compared to Clubhouse in which you can start a room anytime with two clicks, LinkedIn Live + Zoom requires some preparation work.  

Lack spontaneous element - On Clubhouse app, it is more spontaneous, many new relationships were formed as users come together to co-host rooms. Since LinkedIn Live is not widely available, such collaboration is not often seen.    

Cannot monetise - Clubhouse just announced monetisation plans for creators. I don't see this feature coming to LinkedIn. Not sure if monetisation is good or bad thing.

CONCLUSIONS

Afterall, I am using two separate apps developed by two companies, the experience won’t be as seamless as a single app. If LinkedIn and Microsoft developers combined their expertise on LinkedIn Live and MS Teams, I believe the user experience they create will be super awesome. 

I still like LinkedIn Live and will be hosting another LinkedIn Live + audio-only Zoom event on 13 April 9pm Singapore to talk about social media strategies.