As of February 2021, the new app Clubhouse boasts more than 2 million unique users. With everybody talking about the app and how to access it, we’re here to guide you through it. Stay tuned to hear what the app is, how it works and how to join!
What Is Clubhouse?
In short, Clubhouse is an invite-only messaging app. Think of it as a social network platform that combines elements of podcasts, radio, conference calls and Houseparty. The app was created in March 2020, and quickly drew people in with its exclusivity.
It is essentially an audio-chat social network in which you get listen to (or get invited into) a chat. There are no pictures or video, only users profile pictures. Apple says that the app is “a space for casual, drop-in audio conversations—with friends and other interesting people around the world. Go online anytime to chat with the people you follow, or hop in as a listener and hear what others are talking about.”
Users can listen in on conversations, discussions and interviews on various topics, much like a live podcast with added exclusivity.
How Can I Join Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is currently only available on iOS / the Apple App store. This means it is only available on iPhone and iPad, but is expected to launch on Android soon. Currently, the demand is very high and the creators are managing the levels of demand before building another version.
You can only join if somebody extends you an invitation. Once you’ve received an invite code, you can sign up. You need to provide the platform with some details, and must create a username even before you receive an invitation. When signing up, the app requires:
- Your phone number and name
- A username
- You will then receive a link via text telling you to sign in using your phone number
- Alternatively, you can link your Twitter account and the app will pull your information from this.
How Do I Use Clubhouse?
Once you have received access, Clubhouse offers a page full of topics you can follow. These range from tech to sports to faith, world affairs and more. You can follow people that share your interests, and the app will suggest rooms for you based on the topics and people you follow.
Conversation rooms are closed by the person who launched them, and end when they decide to close the room. That means you can’t see your conversations again, although due to the nature of the internet, people are recording their chats and so on. The current room limit is 5,000 people.
Are There Any Downsides To Clubhouse?
So far, the app has proved extremely successful, boasting tons of celebrities and influencers due to its exclusive nature.
The service has encountered some issues with hate speech and abuse, and so it has implemented community moderation guidelines. It was also blocked in China in February 2021 for providing too much freedom of expression. It also suffered a data breach after a third-party developer in China attempted to create an Android version. The app also keeps your conversations, and collect information and data from you via cookies.
Leaving or deleting the app isn’t straightforward either. If you want to leave, you have to email support@alphaexplorationco.com to request to leave.
Clubhouse: Final Thoughts
Clubhouse is taking the world by storm, and the creators have admitted that it is a challenge to keep up with the demand. In 2021, an Android version is looking to be created, and in the future, the exclusive element may be taken out. It was originally put in to control the amount of users, but with the app growing daily, its creators might open it up to everybody.
We’re excited to try it out. If you’re a member, let us know your experience below! If video is more your thing, feel free to check out our articles on becoming a Twitch creator, Patreon and helpful Instagram updates and features in 2020 and 2021! Looking for music for your audiovisual project? You can also head to Audiosocket to access over 80,000 tracks to use.
