Move over, Instagram - there's a new app for you to copy competing for everyone's goldfish-like attention spans now: Clubhouse.
I never imagined people would move from visual content to audio content. It's like live radio except everyone can chime in, without having to call the RJ. (this it it. the moment when I realise what an old millennial I am :P). You can check out their origin story here, always loved myself a good startup story.
But first, a shameless self-plug :P
Their invite-only strategy, and initial iOS-only launch seemed to work. Android users like myself were curious and then skeptical. So I decided to check it out for myself and see what the fuss is about. Here's some of my key observations and takeaways.
Conscious consumption: Like with any other platform, there's a LOT of content, a ton of rooms and clubs. Identify the top 3 things you'd like to use the platform for. As a listener, mine are - education, soft skill development & nurturing my interests. As a creator, they are thought leadership, ephemeral content creation, and community building.
Listening vs contributing: I found a lot of value listening to some of the wonderful speakers from all over the world that I came across. From them, I learnt valuable lessons about pitching oneself, voice modulation, networking, assertiveness, confidence and so many valuable life skills. From life coaching to mental health to food & drink, books, open mics...it's a whole world on there. Talk less, listen more applies here too.
Bumping into celebs: Yep, that happens :P Was once in a room with Monica Dogra, she was absolutely lovely. Another time, I peeked into a room to see Tiffany Haddish holding court in her trademark hilarious style. It's fascinating to listen to some of the most famous influencers in business, and celebs hold their own, and they appear a lot more human.
Trolls be trolling: Like with any other platform, unfortunately, this one comes with trolls too. It's easy for some people to shout obscenities over a mic and leave before anyone's the wiser. I've learnt to tune it out/kick them out and block. Some rooms have the excellent idea of only letting people with legit bios speak, or ask them to temporarily change their profile pic to something specific.
Space for diverse voices: The media we consume - books, movies, music, marketing - all of it, all over the world, primarily comes from white men, no matter how we slice it. So far, I've had the privilege to connect with so many diverse voices apart from this demographic and it's definitely caused a shift in the way I think about things.
Vulnerability and authenticity: The app so far, contrary to popular belief, seems good for those of us who don't like to talk very much, or get conscious on a stage. When there's no literal eyes on you, and when it's a topic you love, it can be often wonderful to join or host discussions. In some of the rooms around mental health or other honest topics, I have listened to some people be truly vulnerable and it's beautiful.
What I love the most about Clubhouse is the lack of clutter, which I hope and wish stays the same. It's an audio app. So that's all it does. It has a profile, follow option and a block option. Simple. I really hope they don't clutter it with DMs, videos, and what not. Keep it the way it is, guys! Don't go the Zucc way (I'm side-eyeing you, Instagram).
Finally, you know you've created something awesome when the Zucc and Twitter want to copy it . Really hope Clubhouse doesn't sell out, sigh.
Until then, I shall continue being on the app, listening, contributing and creating too.
This is Nandini Swaminathan, and I'm done speaking :)
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