Clubhouse is an invite-only social media app that has rooms you can join where you can listen to people speaking on various topics and engage with them. But despite its popularity, many people have not been able to join in on the fun.
Never fear, because we have compiled a list of social audio app alternatives to Clubhouse...
Discord
Discord is a lot like Skype but for gamers. Many gamers use it for audio, text, or video chat; with Discord also including the ability to build specific communities and groups on the platform.
While you cannot browse for rooms to join, you can create your own and send out invitations for others to join you to chat. Discord also allows you to use the app in your browser and has less of a delay when using voice chat compared to other platforms.
Discord Voice Chat allows you to make separate channels with different levels of permission for each user, so this prevents the chat rooms from becoming too crowded.
Despite already having the functionality to host audio chats, Discord plans to launch a feature called Stage Channels that will make it an even more direct Clubhouse competitor.
For more information on getting started on Discord, check out this beginners guide to Discord.
Download: Discord for Android | iOS (Free)
Twitter Spaces
Twitter Spaces is a live audio chat feature that the company started rolling out at the end of 2020. With the feature's beta, all Twitter users can join and listen in on a Space.
By April 2021, the company had introduced the ability to create Spaces for a limited set of users on both iOS and Android.
To check if you are able to create a Twitter Space:
- Press and hold the Tweet or Compose icon (feather with the plus sign) button in your Twitter app.
- Select Spaces.
If you don't see Spaces in the options to choose from, it is not available on your account yet. If you are able to make a Space, be aware that anyone can join in and listen to your stream.
That being said, you can decide who can speak in your Space when you are creating it. Meanwhile, only ten people are permitted to live stream in Twitter Spaces at one time.
Once your Spaces session has been ended, just like Clubhouse, the conversations will no longer be available.
Download: Twitter for Android | iOS (Free)
Spoon
Spoon is an audio platform that has over 30 million users, making it a Clubhouse competitor with a significant user base. From your smartphone, you can listen to music, live streams, podcasts, and hang out with other users on Spoon.
Unlike Clubhouse, you can save your live streams for later. You can also search for content creator rooms to join.
Spoon offers features like live stream polls, so if you want to include your listeners in a decision you're making or just want their opinions on a specific topic, you can have your listeners vote.
Download: Spoon for Android | iOS (Free)
Cappuccino
For those of you who enjoy more intimacy when communicating on the internet, Cappuccino may be the perfect app for you. With the Cappuccino app, you can share tidbits of information, jokes, or rants with your close friends and family.
Cappuccino has the option for you to record short audio-only clips called "beans". To record a bean, you simply tap the microphone and start recording. Once finished, you can send the clip to the contacts you choose.
This isn't a direct Clubhouse competitor and offers a different experience, but it's definitely an interesting alternative if you want to experience other audio apps.
Download: Cappuccino for Android | iOS (Free)
Anchor
If you want to record and share your own podcast, Anchor is the app for you. It is a 100% free podcast app by Spotify for beginners that actually pays you whenever someone listens to your podcast. The payments are via ads for items sponsored by Anchor.
You can record the advertisements while prepping your podcast and you choose where you want to include them in the recording.
You can also include voice messages from your listeners in your podcasts, music in the background of your recordings, and record remotely with up to five friends. Even though you are getting paid from sponsored ads through Anchor, you can distribute your podcast on other listening platforms, like Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.
Download: Anchor for Android | iOS (Free)
Riffr
Riffr is great for people who are interested in "micro-podcasting". This app allows you to record small audio snippets called "riffs". Unlike actual podcasts, Riffs are short, not produced, and spontaneous; so it takes the pressure off by allowing you to share thoughts in a short burst.
Riffr is a good option for someone who likes the idea of making a full-blown podcast but is intimated by it.
You can also search for and listen to other member's Riffs and create a network by following the other people who make Riffs that you enjoy. Riffr is a great app to make new friends and learn about specific topics.
Download: Riffr for Android | iOS (Free)
Yac
When you work remotely, sometimes communicating via text just doesn't cut it. There can easily be miscommunications because of the tone of a message. This is where an audio messaging app like Yac can come in handy.
Yac is a free app made for remote teams to contact each other via recorded messages. You can keep track of projects, discuss a new idea, or call a meeting using Yac. According to user reviews, it is a real game-changer for companies that have remote employees.
Download: Yac for Android | iOS (Free)
Stereo
Stereo is a live audio app where you can connect with new people and have meaningful conversations. You can also host your own voice chats and explore other live rooms.
Like Clubhouse, Stereo has prominent participants that host live streams, such as Adam Carolla, Jeff Ross, Amazing Phil, Jeff Wittek, Jason Nash, and many others. You can also save and listen to live streams later so you don't miss anything your favorite Stereo members have to say.
Download: Stereo for Android | iOS (Free)
Clubhouse Alternatives Will Continue to Emerge
Audio-only apps are extremely attractive to people who want to interact with others but don't enjoy being on camera. These kinds of "gathering spaces" are perfect for the introverted extrovert!
There are many versions of these types of apps, from micro-podcasting to audio chatroom apps, from the exclusive to the non-exclusive—there is a voice chatting app for everyone.
Clubhouse has spawned an avalanche of similar apps. And since social media platforms like Instagram are in the process of creating Clubhouse-like audio platforms, this is just the start of a new trend.