What is the Clubhouse and why is everyone talking about it?

This page was translated using AI and machine learning.

(Pocket-lint) – One of the latest must-have social networking apps is called Clubhouse. It launched as an iPhone-only invite and app, which gave it an air of exclusivity. Now open to everyone, the app lets you host and join audio chats with other users.

What is the Clubhouse?

Clubhouse was launched in April 2020 as an iOS app. It is described as a “new type of voice-based network”. It exploded in popularity after Tesla CEO Elon Musk appeared on the app, joining Good Time, to talk about Mars, memes and becoming a multiplanetary species.

Since it’s voice-only and doesn’t use your camera, Clubhouse hopes you won’t worry about “eye contact, what you’re wearing, or where you are.” You can use the app while doing anything – whether you’re folding laundry or moving around – and because there’s no typing or sending, all your intonation, inflection and emotion must be conveyed accurately by voice.

It is the original medium, reborn, if you will.

According to The New York Times, as of December 2020, Clubhouse had 600,000 users. Since it was invite-only, you couldn’t just download the app from the Apple App Store and register. Although you can install and open it, the app only allowed you to register and reserve a handful. From then on, he sent all interested users to a blog post explaining why they should wait for an invite.

In May 2021 Clubhouse added an Android app and in July 2021 opened to the general public, no longer requiring an invitation.

How does the Clubhouse work?

Since Clubhouse is known for being a place to meet, chat, and share ideas, the app is pretty basic. It lets you create and join “rooms” – where you can chat with others on a conference call. You cannot share images, videos or even text. All you can do is talk. Users can also join and leave the call at any time. When you open the app, you’ll see a list of “rooms” as well as a list of those in each room.

You can join the room by tapping on them – they are all open for you to enter or exit. Clubhouse wants users to explore different conversations. You enter each room as a member of the public. If you want to speak, you “raise your hand”, then the speakers can choose to invite you. Clubhouse rooms are often hosted by experts, celebrities, venture capitalists, journalists, etc. You can also create your own room.

Clubhouse says it has also hired moderators to ensure the platform is a place for free speech but also healthy dialogue.

How to Join the Clubhouse

It’s easier than ever to get involved with Clubhouse. Simply download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register.

Written by Maggie Tillman. Edited by Luke Baker.