I sometimes still think Lori Lewis works here at Jacobs Media.
I started seeing a lot of “chatter” about a new social media platform – Clubhouse. It’s an audio-only play, which is what got me thinking about whether there’s a “there there” for us in radio.
I know some of you may be thinking, “Do we really need another social network?”
While social media has exploded – providing fun, entertainment, and joy, along with pain, misinformation, and heartache – we are more wary of it than ever. Plus, what can a new social platform do that we haven’t seen before?
Rather than spend hours of my precious time hanging out on Clubhouse, I instead turned to the savviest social media guru I know to check it for us.
And then, write a guest post about it!
(I’m not just getting older, I’m getting smarter.) Here’s Lori’s take. – FJ
As many of us know, audio is a very special medium. And, here comes Clubhouse, a voice-only, “drop-in or join in on audio conversations” app.
What makes this app even more fantastic: no camera! We don’t have to worry about what we look like!
I was able to join Clubhouse after Jimmy Steal, VP Brand & Content WTMX/WSHE Hubbard/Chicago, invited me.
Clubhouse, for now, is invitation (and iPhone) only – so when you get invited, tap the invite text off your iPhone. Don’t waste the invite.
Once you’re in – you’ll see the “hallway” – this is Clubhouse’s News Feed (below left):
In the “hallway,” you’ll see “rooms” you can join and listen to/talk about specific topics.
Clubhouse is radio-esque.
In the “rooms” – there are “moderators” (comparable to radio talent behind the mic) along with “audience members” (comparable to how radio identifies “listeners”).
You’ll enter each room in progress as an audience member, and if you have something to share you can “raise your hand,” and the speakers can choose to invite you up to speak (above right).
(Some rooms disable the “raise your hand” feature.)
It’s fun because you can jump from room to room. (And you can “leave quietly.”)
You can also create your own rooms. The benefit of hosting your own room is Clubhouse will notice and eventually invite you to create your own club.
But for now – this is what I know.
Clubhouse is a destination to hang with friends and new people; to learn, share, ask questions, etc…
It can be used for building:
Community
Grow beyond the audience base you currently serve – create rooms that are relatable and inclusive; that entertain, teach, or inspire.
Create rooms around the unique sectors of your brand’s base, their passions and interests as well as yours, too. Also create rooms around your podcast or any other content you create that could be lively conversation.
Connection
Join rooms around personal growth, emotional IQ, daily habits of high performers – network beyond your industry, your bubble. Listen to those who have experience, ask questions – learn.
Contribution
Give people access to what they normally would not have. Create rooms with artists, bands, local celebrities, anyone who elicits great interest.
Another big trend since stay-at-home orders is ‘Life hacks” and “Do-It-Yourself.” Just the title “Life hacks” would be a room worth jumping in and listening to.
Be mindful when you create a room – you really need to be the conductor. I’ve joined rooms that became runaway trains because audience members take over with no focus or thoughtfulness.
Also, create rules. You’ll have to reset these rules every time you open someone’s mic. Example – if a rule is a 90-second limitation for introductions and to ask a question – remind them of it each time.
Clubhouse is a great app for conversation – and for learning. The fact that it’s 100% audio is something that should get everyone in radio’s attention.
As you can tell, I’m still playing around with it.
Join me on Clubhouse @lorilewismedia and let me know how you end up using it.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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I had not heard of Clubhouse until this article. It could be another fascinating social experiment. It is not without its difficulties. I’m going to check it out further. but as with any social media platform, I’ll proceed with caution.
https://mashable.com/article/what-is-clubhouse-app/
https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/clubhouse-app-how-to-get-started/
Randy, thanks for these resources. Please report back and let us know how it goes.