Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock over the past year (we wouldn’t blame you), you've likely heard of the Clubhouse app which is straight out of Silicon Valley and being dubbed ‘the next big thing’ in social. The exclusive audio-only social media platform packed with celebrities, talent shows and very thought-provoking conversations. If you haven't heard of it, (again - no judgment zone) we’ll break it down for you.
When Clubhouse first launched it was a highly-exclusive members-only social media app that came to save us from the hell-hole that was 2020 (remember that? whew). It is still currently only available to those who are invited (urgh) although the founders spoke on dropping the Clubhouse’s invite-only status 'in the coming months', because there are 'so many incredible creators not yet on Clubhouse, who have an audience elsewhere.'
In fact, it has only been year since the app has gone live and its worth is in the region of $4 billion, with much more room for growth as Clubhouse founders say they’re working on making it available to everybody ‘as quickly as possible’.
So that you’re not left out in the cold, GLAMOUR has done a little more digging to find out what’s really going on inside Clubhouse...
What exactly is Clubhouse?
Twitter’s hook is words, Instagram is about pictures and Facebook is about, well, faces but Clubhouse is the free social media network forged around audio.
In a year when we connected most over Zoom, Clubhouse is the platform where eye contact, awkward walk-ins, naff backgrounds and dressing up for digital are all forgotten to allow the focus to be solely on conversation.
On the inside, you can see ‘rooms’ of people talking, which you can hop in or out of at any time. You might very well encounter Oprah talking to Ashton and you can stay and listen. You can even ‘raise your hand’ for the speakers to invite you up to contribute.
It means that debates, lectures, performances, book clubs, comedy shows and jamming sessions are all available to listen into for free, like a fly on the wall. The only rule is, you’re not allowed to record anything. (Although rooms that are recorded by the host for specific purposes from an external device, will say so very clearly). Clubhouse is supposed to be a safe space where celebrities and regular people can answer questions, lecture, showcase talent and share stories without having recordings lingering on other social platforms as an aftermath. However, if you find yourself getting quoted on a Twitter thread after saying something a little unhinged... well, that’s out of the apps control.
Alternatively, you can start your own conversations with friends or strangers, just like you would at a house party. Remember them?
We understand the appeal behind it. It’s been so long since we queued for a nightclub. Do you actually remember how good it felt to get inside? All that waiting out in the cold, trying to look sober and staring at the VIP line, long-forgotten.
That’s how we feel about Clubhouse. Although don’t let the name fool you. This club, you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, and you know how we feel about things that we can enjoy from home RN.
Who’s on Clubhouse?
Many of its members are celebs. At the start of December 2020 it had just 3,500 members around the world, now it has over 10 million users globally, and that crowd includes Oprah, Ashton Kutcher, Drake and Chrissy Teigen. You'll also find musicians 21 Savage and The Game alongside comedians Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart. There was a short while at the end of 2020 where mere mortals couldn’t even get on it as it was still in private beta mode, but the app really took off.
How can I get a Clubhouse invite?
For this, we’ll have to be patient. Originally, each new member was allocated one invite, and after a while you get three more so if you got invited by an existing member, you could eventually pick up four of your friends to join with you. (As if the Rule of Six wasn’t screwing with enough friendships.) However, now, the app will generously offer two invites to begin with and keep adding more after a few weeks, so that everyone from the It crews to every humble UK network can find an in.
When is Clubhouse launching on Android?
We know, we know, not the most inclusive app. Android users are yet again completely left out of the conversation (literally). However, not for long. Although we don’t have a specific date yet, the Clubhouse App’s makers have shared intel on what’s to come via a blog post this January. “From the earliest days, we’ve wanted to build Clubhouse for everyone. With this in mind, we are thrilled to begin work on our Android app soon, and to add more accessibility and localization features so that people all over the world can experience Clubhouse in a way that feels native to them.” So if you’re part of the android gang, keep your eyes peeled.
Are there rules I should know about?
At this stage of the beta version of the app, rules are loose. Although the app strongly discourages any discriminatory and aggressive behaviour, it is largely up to the hosts/moderators of the room to control the conversation. When hosting a room, hosts should take into consideration the title of the room, the number of people they have on stage and how they moderate. Some hosts like an order and let speakers up on stage to speak one by one and then they have the authority to ‘kick’ them out as and when they are finished (or if they should be finished). Some will choose a free for all if there are less speakers on stage.
Moderators are also expected to ‘reset’ the room. Many clubhouse rooms are live for two hours+, so it’s advised that hosts/moderators reset the room every 30 minutes or so, by explaining the topic of discussion and the order of speakers, and any other info, like topics to follow, and twitter hashtags, so that the conversation can be expended beyond the people allowed on stage.
If you’re an audience member with an opinion to share, there is a raise your hand button that can be activated by the moderator as and when. It is up to them to accept you on stage. Warning, once you’re accepted on stage make sure to press mute. Much like in ZOOM it’s likely your mic will automatically turn on and we know how that can really go wrong.
How To Follow People?
When you first join, the Clubhouse algorithm can link your phone's address book and combine that with whoever you choose to follow (which you can do by simply pressing the follow button next to their profile photos). The app can also suggest other people to you based on your preferences and what you've clicked so far.
How To Follow Topics?
If there are specific (or fairly broad topics) you are mostly interested in, you can follow those topics so that Clubhouse will suggest rooms with that as the topic of conversation. Underneath the recommended people for you to follow, you'll see a selection of topics labeled "Find Conversations About...".
Within that you can find broad topics like Hustle fire emoji , with subtopics like entrepreneurship, small business and networking. Other topics include Tech, for those wanting to jump on that crypto hype. There are also safe space rooms to discuss Faith and spirituality, and even Sports where you will find rooms discussing the recent controversial transfers or questioning boxing results.
You can lose yourself in an endless list of topics by clicking through explore and recommended hashtags. Sometimes you will be invited to follow rooms by people you follow or hosts of a room you have attended too. So keep an eye out for those on your notifications tab.
How to create a room?
Anyone on the app can start their own room, where you will be the original host but then can designate host privileges to other speakers on stage. When you opt to Add A Topic, you'll be asked to choose between making the room Open, Social, and Closed. An open room will be visible to anyone browsing the app. A social room will be available for people you’re connected to directly through the app, such as your followers. A closed room is as exclusive as it gets, where only those selected by you would be allowed to join.
How to join a room?
The rooms on your homepage will be open for you to join. Don’t worry, you will be muted throughout unless you get invited on stage. Once you're in you can click "raise hand," "request speaking," or just go right ahead and unmute yourself, this is your chance to shine so if you’re on a stage with aunty Oprah or singing your heart out in front of label execs make sure the sound is good and there are not too many crying babies in the background. You can also access a room by clicking through the notification if you get ‘pinged in’ by a friend. When you’re time to tap out comes, simply click the "leave quietly" button.
How to clap?
You know like in the theater when you’re supposed to do clicks, at Clubhouse you can mute and unmute your mic button, when you’re a speaker on the virtual stage. Which will make the mute button flash, and you can show support to the person speaking without disturbing the discussion.
When can you lose your party hat emoji?
When you’re a newbie, Clubhouse wants everyone to know about it! You will have a little party hat emoji up to a week, because nothing screams new kid in class like a nice accessory icon next to your profile picture right?
How to invite friends into a room PING?
Say you find yourself in a very interesting and thought provoking room. The latest CH update allows you to tap the ping [“+”] button at the bottom of a room, where you’ll then see an option to share a link with your followers, friends, or even post it on your Whatsapp group chats.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Entertainment Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
