Clubhouse was founded in March 2020, but after less than a year after the start of its beta, the app quickly became one of the most talked-about social media platforms, valued at $4 billion.
Clubhouse’s exploding popularity can be traced back to a few things, including hype driven by Elon Musk. In January 2021, the Tesla CEO tweeted that he’d be on Clubhouse for a chat. The app became one of the Apple Store’s most downloaded apps overnight, and the rest is history.
But aside from celebrity influence, there have to be other reasons why the app became so popular. Here are a few...
Audio-Only Social Networking
Clubhouse is a relatively unique app: the selling point that separates it from other social media platforms is its focus on social audio. No video livestreams, no text-based messaging, no uploading or downloading photos: just people talking and exchanging ideas.
This feature is precisely why many people enjoy Clubhouse. Regular users say that being in a chatroom with a select few VIPs, and only hearing important people speak, feels much more intimate and engaging.
On top of that, Clubhouse’s moderated nature means that conversations are less disorganized and more productive. Hosts are given the option to mute and unmute speakers, and participants are required to “raise hands” before being approved by hosts to speak.
There's also no pressure to speak up when in a chatroom. If you’d like to just sit back and listen, you are more than welcome to do that.
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Hollywood Celebrities
It takes more than Elon Musk’s star power to sustain the app’s popularity. Since the billionaire’s promotion of the app, a long list of entrepreneurs, politicians, and A-list celebrities have been on the app to talk about a wide range of topics. Mark Zuckerberg went on Clubhouse earlier in 2021 to discuss the future of technology.
As for celebrities; Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Jared Leto, Drake, and Kevin Hart are just a few of the many A-listers who have used the app to interact with their fans. Politicians in Europe and Asia are also hopping onto the app to circumvent free speech limitations.
Clearly, Clubhouse is a star-studded place. And the number one reason why big names are flocking to Clubhouse? You are unable to record a chatroom. When a discussion ends, the chatroom disappears, and anything said is erased.
A Productive Space For Budding Entrepreneurs
If you are an entrepreneur who is aspiring to change the world with a new product or service, consider selling your ideas on Clubhouse. Founders of many tech startups regularly convene on the app with loyal listeners to market their ideas and get feedback.
Clubhouse does not allow ads, but content creators and influencers have found ways to monetize their content on the app. How? Check out our article that explains how people make money on Clubhouse.
Clubhouse has also recently introduced a Creators Fund to uplift newcomers with innovative ideas. So, for anyone who wishes to have their creative ventures funded, Clubhouse may be an option.
Invite-Only Social Networking
You can only join a room if your friend sends you an invite link. This adds to the app’s exclusivity. This invite-only model also means that there is a higher chance of meeting and talking to like-minded people. It is very much like being part of an exclusive club.
If you are not invited to any discussion, you can always first download the app and create an account to land yourself on a waiting list. When someone on Clubhouse opens a new chatroom and remembers to invite you, you are in.
Did we also mention that Clubhouse is also only available on iOS? However, the app’s founders promised that an Android version is coming in the near future.
The Popularity of Clubhouse
Clubhouse is still amassing thousands of downloads every month, and with good reason. It is a breath of fresh air compared to what is currently saturating the social media space.
If you are an iOS user and you have a favorite personality who is on Clubhouse, what are you waiting for? If you are an Android user, be patient, because you will be part of the club very soon.