Clubhouse, the audio chat app, has witnessed fluctuating popularity at its 2020 launch, becoming a unique addition to the digital interaction space. The invite-only model it had and its focus on live conversational experiences have set it apart, making the platform a subject of interest for many looking for a complete Clubhouse review of the audio chatting app.
The app has been up and down, yet it has its crowd of advocates who swear it’s fun and have access to unique content creation tools that are not similar to others on the market. Today, we’ll overview the app and decide if there’s a way to profit from Clubhouse platform.
Clubhouse’s Rise to Popularity
Clubhouse’s trajectory to fame is a fascinating study in modern social media dynamics, marked by strategic exclusivity and celebrity endorsements. Initially, the platform captivated a global audience by offering something no other app did at the time – live, unrecorded conversations with the feel of insider information. This allure was magnified by its invite-only nature, which not only created a buzz around access but also built a premium on invitations, some fetching as high as $400 on platforms like eBay. But how could you make money with Clubhouse that is not a one-time hustle?
Source: Apple App Store
High-Profile Endorsements and Media Buzz
- Celebrity Influence: The app’s visibility skyrocketed when high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey joined discussions, making headlines and drawing massive attention.
- Media Coverage: As celebrities and business leaders used the platform, media outlets covered these events extensively, adding to the mystique and desirability of Clubhouse.
Exclusivity and User Engagement
- Invite-Only Model: The initial requirement of an invitation to join Clubhouse created a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
- Engagement Through Scarcity: The scarcity of invites played a crucial role in driving demand, with users eager to be part of the exclusive community.
Strategic Expansion and Features Rollout
- Timely Introductions: Following its initial success, Clubhouse capitalized on its momentum by introducing new features like Clubhouse Payments to enhance user experience and creator monetization.
- Platform Accessibility: The rollout of an Android version expanded the app’s reach, significantly increasing its user base globally.
Clubhouse’s success was not only due to its platform but also how it made its users feel – like part of an exclusive club that was leading a new wave of social media. The marketing strategy of Clubhouse, which was restricted to members only, coupled with the chance to engage with renowned personalities and influential thought leaders in real time, made the platform stand out in the market during its peak. However, after Clubhouse made its platform accessible to everyone and started facing competition from X, its user base has been observing a decline.
Features and User Experience
Clubhouse has evolved significantly since its inception, introducing several features aimed at enhancing user engagement and experience. Key developments include:
User-Created Rooms
Users have the flexibility to create their own rooms in Clubhouse, which can be set as private, social, or open to the public. This feature allows for diverse discussions across various topics, giving users control over the content and participants.
Interactive Participation
Clubhouse rooms operate under a moderated system where moderators have the ability to mute or unmute participants. This ensures that conversations remain structured and productive. Participants can raise their hands to speak, contributing to a dynamic and interactive environment.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Clubhouse has been criticized for not having accessibility features like auto-generated captions, which are vital for users with hearing impairments. Thxis highlights the need for inclusive design of social platforms from the outset.
Monetization Opportunities
Distinct from many social media platforms that rely heavily on advertising, Clubhouse has focused on direct monetization opportunities for creators. This approach supports creators financially and fosters a more sustainable ecosystem for content generation.
Privacy and Moderation Challenges
To ensure a safe and respectful environment, Clubhouse faces significant challenges in maintaining privacy and moderating live content. The platform must continuously develop effective strategies to handle these issues.
Community Feedback
Even before we were writing our Clubhouse 2024 review, the company has faced criticism for not addressing important issues such as bullying, racism, anti-Semitism, and misogyny. Furthermore, there have been instances of fraud where users have been defrauded. The platform incentivized users to spend an unhealthy amount of time on it, and there were no editorial standards for the content. Although a questionnaire was available to determine interests, the hallway and notification system were based on who you followed.
Additionally, there was a lack of communication with dedicated creators, and the wrong first creator class was chosen. The social media strategy was considered bizarre and focused on being cool, and features that users didn’t want were prioritized over those they did. The platform also failed to articulate its value, brand, and purpose to a broader audience.
There was an initial delay in adding link, chat, and record features, and important conversations failed to gain enough press.
Furthermore, the platform failed to address brand-diminishing press and misinformation, such as Covid-conspiracy rooms at the top of hallways. Lastly, Clubhouse failed to re-engage with a set of users a year later who had wanted to recapture the magic and also failed to integrate into web3 beyond audio. Is Clubhouse going to address this issues in the near future? We will have to wait and see.
Clubhouse for Marketers and Creators
Clubhouse has carved a niche that marketers and creators can use Clubhouse for promotion of the brand and connect with their audience directly in real-time. However, in terms of the market share of social media and potential revenue, there are probably better ways to profit for social media marketers. You might as well check our article about the social media apps that pay the most in 2024 after reading our Clubhouse review.
Optimizing Presence for Impact
- Profile Optimization: Ensuring your bio is clear, compelling, and optimized for search within the app can significantly influence visibility and engagement.
- Automation and Sales: Setting up automation for follow-ups and integrating efficient sales processes can help capitalize on the interactions within Clubhouse.
Building Community and Trust
- Expert Discussions: By hosting rooms on topics you are knowledgeable about, you position yourself as an authority, building trust and credibility.
- Real-Time Engagement: The ability to interact live with an audience promotes a sense of community and loyalty, which is essential for brand growth.
Strategic Marketing and Networking
- Targeted Rooms: Hosting sessions that cater to specific interests and align with potential customers, filling your marketing funnel with high-quality leads.
- Networking Opportunities: Clubhouse rooms can serve as networking hubs, where professionals can forge partnerships and collaborations that could lead to new business opportunities.
Leveraging Thought Leadership
- Showcasing Expertise: Regularly participating in and moderating discussions puts your expertise on display, enhancing your reputation as a thought leader.
- Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers to drive discussions can increase room attendance and engagement, broadening your reach.
Utilizing New Tools for Enhanced Insights
- Room Analytics: Recent updates provide creators with tools like Share and Clip counts, offering insights into room performance and audience engagement.
- Event Hosting: Simplified event setup allows for easy participation, increasing the likelihood of higher engagement rates.
Strategic use of Clubhouse can improve visibility, connect creators with their audiences, and build brand communities, leading to growth and loyalty. However, there are more profitable social media apps available in the market, and as you can understand from our Clubhouse app review, it’s a niche app.
Wrapping Up: Clubhouse Review 2024
In conclusion of our complete review of Clubhouse, the app has influenced digital and social media since its debut with its new concept, offering an exclusive social media platform where live, unscripted conversation can thrive. But since then, it’s been in constant decline, from a meteor presenting a new idea for social media to yet another social media on the market,
While the platform has some interesting content and cool niches, I need help understanding why I should use Clubhouse over other alternatives in the market, like X or even Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We live in an era in which everyone has podcasts, and the fact that it’s not exclusive anymore does make it less attractive. So, my honest opinion, you can make money with Clubhouse, but it will be muhc more profitable to invest the same amount of time in TikTok.