What is Clubhouse, the app that is getting so much attention?

The Clubhouse audio app was launched less than a year ago and has already caught the attention of big fish in the tech industry and even China, but what is Clubhouse?

The app, only available for iPhone, allows you to start or listen to recordings on a wide range of topics, from technology to sports, parenting, black literature, health, and more. No text posts, photos or videos – just profile photos of people and their voices.

Conversations can range from a phone call to a conference or interview. It’s free and there are no ads, at least not right now.

How to enter?

Currently, the only way to get an invitation is to get one from someone who is already in Clubhouse, as it is still in “beta” version. You can also download the app and sign up for a waiting list.

Its exclusivity is part of its current appeal. Its aura has grown by the stellar power of its first members, like the star of the rap Drake, The actor Jared Leto, The actress Tiffany Haddish and influential technology figures such as the capitalist Marc Andreessen and the CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey.

Once inside, you can import your Twitter profile, or start from scratch and then follow people or “clubs” on a wide range of topics.

Who made Clubhouse?

It was created by the Silicon Valley businessman Paul Davison. The app made its debut in March, just as many had to be shut down due to the pandemic.

Why is it getting attention now?

The main reason is probably that Elon Musk i Mark Zuckerberg, The CEOs of Tesla and Facebook respectively, appeared recently at Clubhouse.

When two tech icons with a combined wealth of $ 280 billion choose to use the same app to convey their message a few days apart, people take note.

In his January 31 appearance, Musk talked about trips to Mars with his Space X rocket company, about digital currency, artificial intelligence and the pandemic. Zuckerberg spoke on Feb. 4, fueling curiosity about the app.

What happened in China?

Thousands of Chinese users have started using the app in recent months attracted by unrestricted debates with people abroad, particularly on democracy, Taiwan and other sensitive issues.

The app was removed from Apple Inc.’s store in China in mid-December, but on Monday Chinese users lost access to Clubhouse, as did thousands of other websites and social networking apps that they have been blocked by the Communist Party.