Clubhouse App is a fairly new invitation only, audio social media app. My friend and fellow journalist/writer Nneka M. Okona is who got me wishing I had an invitation a month or so ago, and my friend and fellow Dillard alum Nikki invited me about a week ago (WEEK AGO!) So far, I love it.
Were you one of the original Facebook users, back when it was called The Facebook? That’s how it feels now, talking to friends on the phone about it, adding tons of people and following lots of clubs. Spending more time using it than you’d like to admit.
What’s different now, for those who were original Facebookers, is that it’s not just fun — it’s business. In our late teens and early 20s when we joined Facebook, it was just a place other than MySpace to connect. Now we’re all in our 30s, so many of us working for ourselves in some manner. Most of us are trying to figure out the Clubhouse app best practices, which is challenging because it’s the most unique social media app to come out in a minute.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far. Hopefully it’ll help you.
- Perfect your Clubhouse bio. Unlike other social media apps, the bio section on Clubhouse app doesn’t seem to have a character limit. You want people to first click to see your full bio, then find you interesting enough to connect with outside of Clubhouse app. Put the most important searchable keywords and information near the top, and use emojis to break up text like bullets. Make sure to link your Instagram and Twitter, as they are the only clickable links. Also emojis are searchable (thanks for this gem, Helping Homies Win).
- Note the room hierarchy. It goes from moderator, to speaker, to friends of speakers, to others. The chat areas (rooms) get full, so you stand out if you’re closer to the top. Friend people (genuinely) and you have a higher chance of being at the top of these rooms, because it’s more likely they’ll friend you back.
- Consider economy of language. In education, there’s a concept called “economy of language.” Basically people are more willing to listen when you talk less. So instead of, “Thank you so much kings and queens and grand rising to you on this 2020 day. What I want to talk about is…” just say, “Hi everyone, thank you for this” and then continue.
- Remember to go on mute as soon as you are called up to the “stage.” You are taken off of mute automatically as soon as you come up to the stage. Immediately mute, less you embarrass yourself.
- Say your name when you’re talking on full stages. Some of these rooms will have 20 someaht folks on stage (speakers) or more. Saying your name or mentioning a feature in your emoji (purple shirt, blonde hair) will let listeners know whose profile to check out.
- Just shut up sometimes. It can feel like being in school with kids who just wanted to say something. That’s agg AF, and I promise it will make people see your name and never want to enter rooms with you.
- Be kind. Don’t interrupt. Ask how to pronounce people’s names (this honestly feels like the most diverse social media app) and use gender-neutral language.
- Use the same profile photo across apps. It makes it easier for following across platforms.
- Bring friends in. Ping friends in to let them see rooms they’d like. Especially if they can add value. My best friend Erica is great at this!
- Beware of fakes! How the kids say, “no cap”? People have made fake celebrity profiles and it’s so wack. Check the linked Instagram and Twitter to make sure people are who they say they are. You can also use follower count to help with this.
- Be a great moderator. Big ups to my cousin, Nicole Collins, for being amazing at this. I gave my invitation to the right person! Also my new friend Safy is great at this. My dude Bryson Paul too, and they whole gang at Helping Homies Win. Try to call on speakers from left to right, top to bottom. Be quick to put out folks who are on the foolishness. “Reset the room” by reminding folks’ the purpose of it every so often — but not too often. This does not mean talking about yourself ad nauseam. Have a co-moderator or two to help you and so that if you have to leave, the room won’t end.
- Mute/unmute to clap. I hope one day Clubhouse app makes a little heart button or something, so speakers can see you’re vibing with them. Pero ahora? Mute/unmute to clap or agree.
Have fun! I’m @megandoesnola on Clubhouse, IG, and Twitter. Hope to see you (80s rap arms) in the ‘house.
