Recently, we’ve spent a lot of time discussing a new app called Clubhouse, including the inside scoop on getting started, as well as how to best utilize this interactive marketing platform for your business. According to Mashable, Clubhouse describes itself as “a new type of social product based on voice [that] allows people everywhere to talk, tell stories, develop ideas, deepen friendships, and meet interesting new people around the world.”
Often described as a free flowing podcast that takes place in real time, Clubhouse has a unique, audio-based format that allows members to mingle, listen in, and discuss any number of topics. From informative panel discussions and collaborative networking events, to topical conversations that often mimic an online cocktail party, Clubhouse has real potential to change the current social media landscape. In fact, some predict it could actually lead to the end of the podcast as we know it. But will it? Read on to learn more.
The Power Behind The Hype
One of the most interesting things about Clubhouse is the opportunity it presents to engage with A-list celebrities, political leaders, millionaire entrepreneurs, and top authorities in your industry. The app has been on the social media scene for less than a year, and is still in beta testing, but it is already worth around $100 million. It also has amassed a huge following of over 2 million users, as of February 1, 2021. That’s incredible, given the fact that Clubhouse is invite-only at the moment and is restricted to Apple mobile devices (but hopefully that will change soon). With that said, some pretty influential people are taking notice, like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk. Notably, the latter has been using this new platform to chat with high-profile guests, crashing Clubhouse servers with packed rooms of 5000 listeners, after realizing it’s potential as a live, unscripted alternative to the traditional podcast.
Clubhouse Vs. Podcasts
Wired believes the future of social media is all talk, and Clubhouse will play a prominent role in this sweeping trend. The allure of exclusivity, along with launching at the start of a pandemic with mass social distancing, has helped set this app up for domination. It’s been so influential that Twitter is currently joining the club with its own version, Audio Spaces, currently in development. But will Clubhouse, or a similar sound-based app, replace podcasts? Without a working time machine, we can’t know for sure. However, we do know podcast listenership has been steadily rising the past decade and does not seem to be slowing down, according to the most recent data from the Pew Research Center. But that was 2019, well before Clubhouse burst onto the scene, so only time will tell.
Finding A Happy Medium
While Clubhouse clearly has the potential to replace podcasts in the future, Podcasters themselves are naturally finding ways to use the Clubhouse app to build their audience. Finding a happy medium seems to be the key to success for all, including business owners who are looking to take advantage of live, interactive marking opportunities that can boost brand identity while connecting with customers in new ways. This likely can be achieved by utilizing both of these tools in reaching a greater target demographic that could otherwise be missed. We look forward to seeing how this will all play out.
In the meantime, you can follow us on Clubhouse (@aliyahammond) after snagging that coveted invite. And contact us today to learn more about the social media services we offer in the greater Philadelphia area and across the entire US.
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
