How to Get Started on Clubhouse
With the new year arrives a new social platform for you to hop on! That is if you’re lucky enough to nab an invite. Clubhouse may not be all that new, but the word of its existence has been spreading like wildfire over the last few weeks. Once we started seeing questions about Clubhouse popping up in our BlogHer Creators Group on Facebook, we knew it was time to investigate. Read on and find out how you can join ASAP.
What is ClubHouse?
Clubhouse is an exclusive, invite-only social platform that allows users to chat, collaborate, and socialize in real-time using audio voice files. From what I can tell, it sounds like a nod to the early days of online chatrooms.
When you log on, you’re greeted by a homepage that lists a variety of conversations that are going on between users. Some chats are planned ahead of time (you can see what’s scheduled and make a point to log on for those), follow users you admire or whose perspective you enjoy, and go from there. The chats that populate for you are based on an algorithm system that pays attention to who you choose to follow, fellow users in your contacts, and which chats you choose to log on for. In this way, it’s not unlike TikTok’s algorithm for the For You Page – the more you use the app, the more likely you are to see content that’s relevant to you and your interests.
Sadly for outsiders, recording any conversations that happen on the app is strictly forbidden, meaning whatever happens on Clubhouse stays on Clubhouse. Think of it as a panel discussion at an exclusive conference; if you don’t go, you won’t know what’s been said.
Clubhouse offers users the opportunity to link their other social media accounts, including Instagram and Twitter, to their Clubhouse profile. Meaning that your followers and fellow app users will know where and how to find you on other platforms. This is a great way to gain fresh followers on your other social handles, and general awareness for you and your brand.
Who’s using the app?
If you’re not sold yet, there’s a pretty good chance some of your favorite influencers and celebrities are already on the app and chit-chatting away, including Oprah, Drake, Tiffany Haddish, and more.
Beyond celebs, the app has proven itself to be an incredible resource for community building, self-promotion, connecting with collaborators and potential project partners, and more, according to users. Fitness coaches and influencers have been able to connect directly with interested individuals, podcasters have found listeners, guests, and cult-followings, and content creators have connected with each other for promotional partnerships and industry tips.
There’s no doubt that being on Clubhouse right now (especially while it’s still highly exclusive) is a great look for beginner content creators and old pros alike. If you’re able to, we highly suggest jumping on the app before it kicks off!
How can I join Clubhouse?
At the moment, Clubhouse is invite-only. That means to even create an account, you have to receive an invite from a friend or colleague. But, if you don’t have any friends on the inside, you can download the app and reserve a username (effectively putting you on the waitlist for when the app goes public). We’ll meet you there as soon as we can.
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