In October of 2019, I wrote about the streaming wars and how the second wave of SVOD services were fast-forwarding the media landscape. The latest emerging media battle isn’t for our screens but instead for our ears. We’re literally at the beginning stages of the social audio era of media—one that has big implications for culture, information and marketing. It’s why Facebook is reportedly developing a Clubhouse copycat and why Twitter has accelerated the rollout of Twitter Spaces.
Clubhouse is setting the stage with a first-mover advantage
There’s no doubt that, right now, Clubhouse is benefitting from its early start in the social audio space. The platform’s “invite only” rollout strategy triggers just enough Studio 54-like #fomo to spike sweeping user interest. With a $1 billion valuation, Clubhouse is ripe for the pandemic-induced stay-at-home climate—giving people a different kind of outlet for connection and community. There’s a “club” for just about any interest and, if not, you can just start one yourself (after hosting a “room” at least three times).