Currently only available for Apple's iOS operating system and accessible only by invitation, this new social network is one of the hottest topics in Silicon Valley and the world of technology, valued at US$$ 100 million.
The company was founded last year by two entrepreneurs, Paul Davison and Rohan Seth. In recent months, it has been gaining the spotlight thanks to the support of famous artists, such as actors Jared Leto and Ashton Kutcher.
Its logic is simple: a social network for smartphones that is based on chat groups, but via audio. Thus, each of these rooms, where users can come and go as they please, becomes a kind of “conference room” on different topics, from health and well-being to technology and politics.
Something that has contributed to the extra buzz about the new social network is that it is only possible to enter through an invitation. It is possible to sign up for a waiting list to receive an automatic invitation, but it is unknown when this list will be processed. In any case, anyone interested can reserve a username if they wish.
Anyone who doesn't want to try the waiting list will need a direct invitation from another person who already uses the app – a step that only increased Clubhouse's feeling of exclusivity. Each member only has one invite at the start, plus three more invites after extensive use.
Once inside, you can check which rooms are currently active and which are scheduled. As the user starts following people and adding details, the app will show rooms based on their interests.
Of course, like any social network, there are several concerns regarding information security and privacy. However, the main concern that has been raised is about the conversations that take place in the rooms – which are allowed and how they are controlled. Clubhouse does not have the means to record conversations and store them, which gives enough space for the development of hate speech, racism, etc., without leaving evidence.
This past week, two important guests helped add even more fuel to the hype surrounding Clubhouse: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, the largest social network in the world, were invited and spoke – on different days – about their visions for the future of technology.