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Every now and then, a new social media platform comes along and attempts to change the way we consume, share, and create content. Facebook did that in 2004, Instagram in 2010, and Snapchat in 2012. In 2020, while the world was in lockdown, a new social media platform emerged attempting to bring a new form of communication to the market, ClubHouse.
Once hailed as “the next big thing,” Clubhouse introduced the concept of social audio and audio chat rooms, where users can interact with each other through audio in private chat rooms-think of it as a call-in radio show for the 21st century. Users enter “Rooms,” where they can listen to (and participate in) conversations about specific topics.
When it was first released on iOS in March 2020, Clubhouse generated a lot of buzz, partly because of its exclusivity: you had to be “nominated” (invited) to join, making it the ultimate status symbol at the time. At one point, users were even selling invites on eBay, and its valuation spiked from $100 million in May 2020 to 4 billion USD in April 2021.
However, during the past year, we’ve seen the hype around ClubHouse die down, and we’ve seen other popular platforms adapt the social audio model, which begs the question, is Clubhouse still a relevant social media platform in 2023? If so, how can influencers use it to grow and better engage with their followers? We will answer all of these questions in this well-written article.
The Rise of ClubHouse
In 2020 and 2021, the world watched as users flocked in droves to Clubhouse. In February 2021, Clubhouse reached a peak of nearly 10 million monthly downloads, with users dying to join the invite-only social audio platform.
The pandemic in 2020 created a breeding ground for the growth of social audio. Clubhouse emerged at a time when consumers were increasingly screen-weary and looking for new and energizing entertainment platforms. “Zoom fatigue” had become pervasive and users were actively in search of a respite. At the same time, users were experiencing loneliness, and isolation, craving personal connection.
ClubHouse marketed itself as a place for users to strengthen the human connections that had waned during the pandemic—and in ways that did not involve being subjected to video fatigue, making it the perfect social media app for that time period.
Post Pandemic
ClubHouse clearly stalled as users began to emerge from the pandemic. The social audio app went from having 9 million downloads in February 2021 to a disputed less than 1 million monthly downloads at the end of last year, creating a huge deficit in the company’s user base and ability to raise further capital.
However, Clubhouse still managed to hold some power in the social media space, attracting many celebrities, brands, and endorsements, raising over $10 million last year. Instead of being the “dying-to-be-on” platform that it was in 2020, where millions of people flocked to the platform just to say they were on it, Clubhouse evolved into becoming a platform where people who have an interest in a specific niche topic, can get together to discuss and share their thoughts and ideas. This can be of great benefit for influencers who are specialized in a niche and are looking to expand and better engage with their audience.
How influencers can use Clubhouse in 2023
Here are some tips for influencers to use Clubhouse to grow their audience:
Join Relevant Clubs
Clubhouse allows users to join or create clubs that cater to their interests. Influencers should join clubs that are relevant to their niche or industry and participate in conversations with other members. This will help them reach new audiences and build credibility.
Host Rooms
Influencers should create their own rooms on Clubhouse and invite other users to join the conversation. They can discuss topics related to their niche or industry, offer advice, or share their experiences. This is an excellent way to showcase their expertise and build a following.
Invite Other Influencers
Inviting other influencers to join a room is an excellent way to increase exposure and attract new followers. Influencers should collaborate with other users in their niche or industry and create valuable content for their audience.
Promote On Other Platforms
Influencers should promote their Clubhouse presence on other social media platforms, such as Instagram or Twitter. This will help them reach their existing followers and attract new ones.
Participate In Other Rooms
Influencers should participate in other rooms in Clubhouse and engage with other users. They can ask questions, offer advice, or share their opinions. This will help them build relationships with other users and attract new followers.
Schedule Regular Rooms
Influencers should schedule regular rooms in Clubhouse to keep their audience engaged and build a loyal following. They can choose a specific day and time each week to host a room and invite their followers to join.
Be Authentic
Influencers should be authentic and true to their brand’s values. They should share their experiences and offer valuable insights to their audience. This will help them build trust with their followers and attract new ones.
In conclusion, even though Clubhouse decreased in its userbase and popularity, it is still an excellent platform for influencers to grow their audience, connect with other users, showcase their expertise, build a following, and expand their influence.
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