Learn All About Using the Clubhouse App

Have you heard of the newest social media platform on the scene? The Clubhouse app is a drop-in audio chat platform designed for users to discuss various interests and topics. The platform was launched in April 2020 and currently boasts over 10 million users, despite not being open to the public and only being available on iOS (Sorry, Android and Galaxy users!). 

Learn more about the Clubhouse app, how it differs from other social media platforms, and how you can use Clubhouse to build a community surrounding your brand. 

How Does Clubhouse Differ from Other Popular Social Media Platforms? 

1. Audio Only

The main feature that sets the Clubhouse app apart from other popular social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, is that Clubhouse only supports audio. Yep, you read that right — a social media platform that does not feature pictures, videos, or visuals of any kind (besides the user’s profile picture). This allows the app to be centered around conversations and discussions, you don’t even need to be looking at the screen — think podcast meets conference panel. 

2. Interactive 

Unlike a podcast, the Clubhouse app allows users to interact with speakers. The moderator of the room can call on other attendees to speak, since the audio is able to switch between one or multiple speakers. Participants are able to ask questions and contribute to the conversation in ways that aren’t available when listening to a pre-recorded podcast. For example, if an attendee had an interesting point they wanted to share regarding the topic being discussed, they could request to speak by clicking the hand-raise icon, and the speaker could bring them on stage to share their insight. 

3. Conversations are Never Recorded or Saved 

All conversations on the platform are happening in real time, and are not available to listen to at a later date. Just another way that the Clubhouse app sets itself apart! This creates a sensation known as FOMO (fear of missing out), since one must be listening live, or the opportunity to contribute (or even listen) to the conversation is lost. Because of this, many users frequent the app, waiting and looking out for discussions about topics they may be interested in. 

Who Uses Clubhouse?

So, who even is on this app? Clubhouse is utilized by celebrities, industry leaders, and social activists alike. Some of the most famous Clubhouse users include media executive Oprah, rapper Drake, actor Jared Leto, and comedian Kevin Hart. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, also uses the app and has contributed to a discussion about outer space and life on Mars. You can also hear discussions about business successes from SharkTank investors Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Draymon John. If the possibility of receiving business feedback from the Sharks themselves isn’t enough to convince you to get on Clubhouse, then we don’t know what will! 

What is Discussed in Clubhouse Rooms and Clubs? 

So what are these “rooms” and “clubs” and what is discussed in them? And what does it mean to be on “stage”? A user can create a “room” if they want to speak about a certain topic. Usually, the speaker will invite other attendees on “stage” to join them in a discussion or ask questions. But what topics are being discussed in these rooms? On the explore page you can find conversations surrounding a variety of topics including:

Once users have created at least three rooms, they can then create clubs and invite people who are interested in the same topic. For example, Startup Club is one of the largest communities on Clubhouse with over 445,000 members. The club hosts regular discussions surrounding start-ups and entrepreneurship, plus events where company founders speak.

How Can My Brand Use Clubhouse? 

Since Clubhouse has millions of users and more will follow once the app goes public, you may be wondering how you can use the platform for brand growth. 

1. Network with Potential Customers and Other Entrepreneurs

Due to recent events, you probably haven’t been able to network with as many people as you would have liked to this past year. 

As an alternative, Clubhouse provides a safe online environment to meet new potential customers or investors. With over 10 million users, at least part of your target audience is bound to be using Clubhouse. You just have to find them. 

Start by engaging with the community and asking for feedback with any business questions you may have! Since the app does not record conversations, people feel as though they can be more open and honest on the platform. Clubhouse is also being used by tech CEOs, start-up founders, etc. so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to network with these influential business gurus — you may learn a thing or two. 

2. Join a Room, Get on Stage, and Contribute to the Conversation!

Join a room in your industry and listen in on discussions to learn how the app works and how discussions flow. Once you feel comfortable, press the icon to raise your hand and request to speak and contribute to the conversation. Clubhouse tip: Speaking in a moderator’s room will help to gain followers and build your Clubhouse community. 

Keep in mind that in rooms with hundreds or thousands of attendees, many people may be raising their hands requesting to speak. You have a better chance of getting on stage in rooms with a smaller amount of attendees. When speaking in rooms, remember to stay on topic and not to ramble. Get your point across or ask a thoughtful question, and then allow others a chance to be a part of the conversation as well!

3. Start a Room Surrounding a Topic Relevant to Your Brand and Provide Value

After participating in other Clubhouse rooms to build your network, the next step to acheive Clubhouse success is to create your own room. Start a discussion to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Get creative with topics of conversation and don’t shy away from discussing big ideas! You can start a room at any time or schedule one for a later date. When scheduling a room, select the date and time, name the event, select other moderators, and provide a description of what is going to be discussed in the room. 

When launching your room, introduce yourself and your moderators, and provide an overview of what you hope to discuss. Invite attendees on stage and allow them to ask questions, provide feedback, and contribute to the conversation. The best way to get users to stay in your room is to provide them with value, so it’s important to think outside of the box. When introducing your brand, explain how your product or service can improve their lives or help them solve a problem. Share your brand story and personal experiences to create a connection with your audience. Invite attendees to join your community and share their opinions, and make sure to listen to their feedback! You could even provide attendees with a special discount on one of your products or services. 

Clubhouse Payments 

The newest feature to the app is Clubhouse Payments which allow users to send money to creators who they want to support. The creator receives 100% of the funds (Clubhouse does not take a portion). The goal of this feature is to help creators build a community, audience, and impact. 

So, what does this mean for you as a business owner? This feature incentivizes creators to use Clubhouse even more, since they now have the opportunity to monetize it. With more creators and influencers joining the platform every day, users are bound to follow. 

How Can I Get Invited? 

Ready to join Clubhouse ASAP? Well, don’t get too excited just yet. As of now, you need a Clubhouse app invite from a current user to be able to create an account (you can download the app and secure a username without an invite though!). Since the app already has millions of users, someone in your network is bound to be on it, so reach out to friends, family and colleagues and let them know you want to be a part of the conversation! 

Learn More About Using Clubhouse

With Clubhouse being new and unlike any other social media platform, it may take you some time to get comfortable with it, and that’s okay! 

Take your time browsing topics that may be relevant to your brand, experimenting with creating rooms, and building your community. Since the app is still in beta, new features will continue to roll out that could be utilized by your brand. Also, take some time to read over the community guidelines to learn more about the rules and features of the platform. 

Haven’t received an invite? Download the app, secure a username, and then keep a lookout for an announcement once Clubhouse opens up to the public! 

If you’re ready to level up your social media strategy and utilize the latest industry trends, get in touch with us today.