The Popularity Battle Begins for Clubhouse and Instagram
Now that our time outside is limited, a lot of people are spending most of their time on social media. For this reason, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have been very popular for people who want to connect with others.
If you are into social media, then chances are you have already seen the name Clubhouse appear on your screens. And you might be wondering what it actually is.
In case you want to know more about this platform, then keep on reading.
What is Clubhouse?
Basically, Clubhouse is a social media application that users can use to share audio clips rather than text posts. According to its creators, it is a new type of social media project that is based on voice. Through this platform, people can talk no matter where they are. People can also use Clubhouse to tell stories, strengthen friendships, develop ideas, and meet new people.
Moreover, Paul Davison and Rohan Seth developed Clubhouse. According to a CNBC report, by May 2020, the company was valued at around $100 million.
When users are in the app, they can opt-in between various virtual rooms that they could join in. Once they entered their chosen room, the audio will automatically turn on. The person who created the room can decide who will be speaking, and users who want to join the discussion can raise their hands to be able to do so. CNBC said that the experience of using Clubhouse is like walking into a conference room where a Q&A session or a panel discussion is taking place.
According to Vague, the app is a platform that brings together live podcast-style conversations, networking opportunities, and panel discussions. It added that it is an advantageous room with multiple uses. Needless to say, this social media application mimics real-life interactions.
Who Can Use Clubhouse?
Everyone can use Clubhouse. In fact, big celebrities, such as Kevin Hart, Oprah, Chris Rock, Drake, and Ashton Kutcher have already used this platform. Popular people can host chats using Clubhouse. Such is somehow one of the appeals of Clubhouse appeal. You will be able to hear and participate in conversations with famous and powerful people. This made Refinery29 describe networking as the major reason for the popularity of Clubhouse.
Apart from celebrities, people who are in need of a platform to host meetings, Q&As, and even panel discussions can use Clubhouse.
However, it is important to note that you cannot join a discussion unless the creator of that room sent you an invite.
Is Clubhouse the New Instagram?
Buying real Instagram followers is normal, but you can't d that on Clubhouse. Not to mention, it has already established its name in the minds of people. It has billions of users, something that Clubhouse does not have. In addition, this Facebook-owned social media platform has various features other than Live. People can use it to post photos, updates, and even videos. In fact, Instagram even has a feature that helps online shops generate sales. Needless to say, this app is a pretty useful platform.
On the other hand, Clubhouse had just started. Other than its voice discussion feature, it seems that this platform does not have much to offer. However, it is still very useful as it helps people connect with their circle.
Seven months ago, Clubhouse only had 1,500 members. But when it launched an Android version of the app, these figures increased to 2 million active users. For this reason, a lot of people are asking if Clubhouse will beat Instagram when it comes to live discussions.
If we compare Clubhouse with Instagram, it is evident that the former stands out in terms of its ability to cater to more than two guests. In addition, it allows users to mute the sounds as well as receive voice questions. What also makes people like this platform is the fact that it does not require them to open their camera during the broadcast.
On the other hand, something that Instagram has and Clubhouse does not are the “hearts and comments” that we see on Instagram Live. This only goes to show that Clubhouse has a limited range of motion in terms of Interaction. Still, users were able to find a solution. To express their desired engagement, they clap on and of the microphone during a broadcast.
Nevertheless, it seems as if Instagram has plans of imitating Clubhouse. This platform, which is one of the top products of Facebook, would be able to cast a stone when it comes to imitation. Notably, it copied TicketLock and Snapchat, two platforms that became viral in just a blink of an eye. Due to the popularity of these platforms, Instagram released Reels and Stories — two features that have similar functionalities with the said platforms.
However, Twitter behaved faster than Instagram this time. In November last year, Twitter announced that it will be launching a voice chatroom called Spaces.
The Takeaway
So, is Clubhouse the next Instagram? The answer is not quite. While Clubhouse is increasing in popularity as a voice-based live broadcast platform, it still lacks all the important features that Instagram has. For instance, it does not have additional engagement like comments and hearts. And since it does not have any video feature, users will not have a cue when it is their time to speak. For this reason, one might interrupt another during a discussion or a live broadcast.
Still, Clubhouse is an excellent platform for people who are not comfortable with going live with their faces seen. Another good thing that it has and Instagram does not is the mute audio feature. With this functionality, you can turn off your mic if you do not want those who are in the room to hear anything from you when it is not your time to speak.
Date: April 8, 2021 / Categories: Interesting, / Author: Joy P
