You may have heard the word 'Clubhouse' floating around over the last couple of months, and maybe you thought it was yet another Zoom-like platform for virtual parties and socially-distanced events, but it's actually an invite-only space with a focus on audio.
Unlike the all-singing all-dancing social media channels that we're used to (Instagram and TikTok we're looking at you!) Clubhouse is audio-only, that's right you can log in and listen to celebrities, thought leaders and influencers talk about topics from how to build an online business to which moment of the Real Housewives of Potomac reunion they enjoyed the most.
While invite-only makes Clubhouse seem like a private members club for the elite, it's actually one of the most democratic platforms at the moment. Anyone can start and moderate a room, anyone can speak in rooms that are open to the public as long as the 'hands up' function is activated and the moderators pick them, and anyone can find themselves on the same stage as industry greats from Joe Budden to Patrick Starr. Oh, and there are no 'blue check' marks... yet.
What is Clubhouse?
Clubhouse was designed to be a space for 'authentic conversation and expression' according to the founders. The stripping away of video and pictures makes the platform less overwhelming in comparison to Instagram or TikTok, and with rooms going on all day around the world, it's like listening in to a live podcast, some of which you have the opportunity to join.
What does the Clubhouse app look like?
This video will show you what the app looks like, and how to navigate it.
How do you sign up for Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is invite-only, which means you'll need someone on the app to invite you. When you join, you get one free invite to use to invite a friend, and as you use the app actively you may be given more invites.
The person who invites you will get a credit on your profile which says; 'Nominated by...'
You can reserve your username on Clubhouse before joining to make sure no one else takes it, to do this download the appand follow the instructions to get on the waiting list.
Once you join you can pick your interests and it will also suggest people to follow based on who you follow on social media, as you can link your Instagram and Twitter accounts to your profile.
Can you get Clubhouse on Android?
No, Clubhouse is currently only available on iPhones. Sorry!
Who started Clubhouse?
The app was created by entrepreneurs Paul Davison and Rohan Seth with funding from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Stay on Clubhouse long enough and you'll likely bump into Paul and Rohan talking in rooms on the app.
Which celebrities are on Clubhouse?
Virgil Abloh, Tiffany Haddish, Joe Budden, Patrick Starr, Meek Mill, Jared Leto and Gayle King are some of the celebrities currently active on the app. Celebrities who are rumoured to have tried the app include Oprah, Drake and Kevin Hart.
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