The Clubhouse App One Year On: What’s Changed?

Joining the social networking scene in April 2020, the invite-only, audio-only Clubhouse app has rapidly become a huge success – surging in popularity and developing fast.

Launched by Paul Davidson and Rohan Seth, the app facilitates the auditory communication for groups of up to 5,000 users and was in high demand when individuals were unable to meet up in person throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

No posts, no photos, no videos – simply audio, Clubhouse is the app revolutionising the the ways of social networking.

Progress a year from launch

Since cementing its status as one of the trendiest social media apps in 2020, Clubhouse has become increasingly popular and only gotten stronger in turn. Increasing its momentum, the app secured funding from Andreessen Horowitz – a venture capital firm – in January of this year. Word is, that this firm has invested approximately $100 million and gave Clubhouse a whopping $1 billion valuation.

Not only has Clubhouse become a financial success, but due to it’s rise in demand, a version of the app suitable for Android should hit Google Play within a couple of months – making it more accessible for businesses and users. The co-founder of this social media success, Paul Davidson, confirmed this rumour and stated that his development team is working hard to bring the invite-only social audio app to the Android family.

Davidson further claimed his intention to make the app open to all, dropping the app’s ‘invite only’ mechanic within the next few months, and opening up the apps potential to everyone. This was specifically to include the ‘many incredible creators’ of the app that are yet to make use of it, and that have a large following on other social networking platforms.

Has the Clubhouse app faced any challenges this past year?

Though the Clubhouse app has become a social media masterpiece over the last year, it has faced a few challenges due to its elite status and vast popularity.

Firstly, due to the apps absence on Android devices, fake versions of the app have been created which fools users to download to their device and then infects their software with malware. For example, BlackRock. This is created with the aim of stealing users login credentials, and to date, it is said to have stolen data from more than 450 services including Amazon, Twitter, and Facebook.

Secondly, the app has faced some issues with regard to hate speech and abuse. Users have been given the gift of near anonymity, however some users have abused this, leading to a circulation of negative speech in the social networking world. As a result, the platform introduces community moderation guidelines in October in an attempt to reduce malicious behaviours’ during app use.

Emerging audio features on other platforms

Due to the vast success of the Clubhouse app, many other social media platforms are following suit and developing similar social audio features. LinkedIn for example is the latest digital platform to confirm that it is working on a social-audio experience like that of Clubhouse.

In contrast to networking, social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have released plans to create an audio feature that is tethered to user’s professional identities rather than social ones. This feature is to include a stage showing current speakers. Users will be given the choice to join a room, leave a room, react to comments or request to speak. They are yet to specify a date for public release of this audio networking feature but have stated their plans to start beta testing very soon.

Twitter has also recently launched the feature of hosting live audio rooms in a Clubhouse-like attempt and Facebook is currently working to create a Clubhouse competitor that is expected to launch sometime this year. Spotify has further announced that it has acquired Betty Labs – Clubhouse rival – to launch live audio experiences in the next few months.

EDGE Creative

At EDGE creative, we’re inspired by the success of Clubhouse and through an infusion of both traditional and digital platforms, we devise bespoke marketing solutions that make an impact.

We are passionate about social networking and with social media being one of the most popular online activities, it is important that your social media marketing is up to par. If you’re looking at ways to improve your social media platforms or want to use Clubhouse effectively, we are here to help. Call our specialist team on 0121 355 8092 or email info@edge-creative.com.