The Rise of Twitter Spaces: A New Challenge for Clubhouse
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Chapter 1: Understanding Clubhouse
Joining Clubhouse feels like stepping into a private gathering of innovators and trendsetters. This audio-only social networking platform boasts around 10 million weekly users, where industry leaders can host discussions about their expertise while engaging with the audience. Notable figures such as Elon Musk and Neil Gaiman have graced the platform with their talks.
Access to Clubhouse is limited, requiring an invitation to join. I was fortunate enough to receive an invite from a former PR colleague, but some individuals have resorted to scouring the internet for an invite, with prices ranging from $20 to $50.
As Clubhouse flourishes, how will major social media players like Twitter and Facebook react? Historically, platforms such as Snapchat saw their popularity dwindle after competitors introduced similar features. While Snapchat still exists, many users have shifted to other platforms, leading to a declining user base.
Section 1.1: The Emergence of Twitter Spaces
Twitter has introduced a new feature called Twitter Spaces, currently in testing since December 2020. A select group of Android and iOS users can already create Spaces, effectively enticing Android users who cannot access Clubhouse.
The process is simple: users can initiate a Space by long-pressing the 'compose a tweet' button or selecting it from the 'Fleets' menu. Spaces are public, allowing anyone to listen, and up to 11 participants can speak at once, with the host controlling who can contribute.
At present, Clubhouse is exclusive to iPhone users, and there remains uncertainty about when an Android version will be available. Although Clubhouse announced plans for an Android app in January, no specific timeline has been provided for eager non-iOS users.
The above video explains the key differences between Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces, highlighting how Twitter's new feature aims to compete in the audio social media space.
Section 1.2: What Lies Ahead for Clubhouse?
Rumors suggest that starting in April, all Twitter users will be allowed to create Spaces, including the frustrated Android users who currently lack access to Clubhouse. While many Twitter users can listen to Spaces, creating them has been limited until now.
I recently stumbled upon a hosted Space on Twitter, which resembled a Clubhouse Room. The platform effectively adopts an audio-only model, enabling hosts to determine the topics of discussion.
Comparatively, joining a Room on Clubhouse is quite similar. Users simply browse their feed, click on a Room of interest, and automatically join as muted audience members.
While Clubhouse primarily attracts early adopters without an established social media presence, well-known personalities might gravitate back to their original platforms if they offer similar features, given their already established audiences.
Chapter 2: The Competition Between Platforms
This short video contrasts Twitter Spaces and Clubhouse, shedding light on the ongoing competition between the two platforms.
The exclusivity of Clubhouse contributes to its allure. Unlike typical apps that can be downloaded instantly, joining Clubhouse requires an invitation, which adds to its desirability and buzz.
Furthermore, Clubhouse is launching a creator partnership program aimed at supporting emerging creators with financial backing and resources for content development. This initiative positions Clubhouse as a vital networking tool, especially in a time when in-person interactions have dwindled.
I have participated in various digital marketing sessions where experts showcase their services to hundreds of users while providing valuable insights—a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Despite its limited audience, Clubhouse continues to expand rapidly. Since its launch in April 2020, the platform has surged to 10 million weekly active users, a massive increase from just 600,000 users in December 2020. However, this figure is still a fraction of Twitter's staggering 192 million daily active users.
As Twitter quickly adapts to provide an alternative to Clubhouse, the invite-only platform is on a growth trajectory. The rivalry between these two platforms in 2021 will be reminiscent of a David versus Goliath scenario—here’s hoping for the underdog.
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