What Is Clubhouse?

Last week, it seemed like all anyone could talk about was Clubhouse—a mysterious new social media app where conversations happen exclusively through voice. New users tuned in to hear Elon Musk speak about space travel, while enterprising individuals began selling invites on eBay.

So, what exactly is Clubhouse, and how can you get in?

The Rise of Clubhouse

Launched in April 2020 by Alpha Exploration Co. at the height of the pandemic, Clubhouse was initially valued at $100 million by the end of that year. But things really took off in January 2021, when venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz invested another $100 million into the app, raising its valuation to over $1 billion.

Then came a major turning point: on January 31, Elon Musk joined Clubhouse and spoke live in a session hosted by the “GOOD TIME” club. That moment sparked a massive wave of interest and skyrocketed the platform’s popularity.

How Does Clubhouse Work?

Clubhouse is all about real-time, voice-only conversations. No text. No photos. No videos. Just audio.

Users join live “rooms” to listen in or take part in discussions. Once a conversation ends, the room disappears—Clubhouse doesn't save conversations unless the host explicitly enables recording in the room’s settings.

So yes, technically, the Elon Musk conversation did make its way online afterward—but that’s more the exception than the rule.

You can browse rooms by topic, name, or location. Tap the magnifying glass in the top-left corner to search, or scroll your feed to find the globe icon and explore rooms from around the world.

When you enter a room, your followers may be notified, creating a chain of discovery that helps rooms grow organically. If you want to speak, simply hit the “raise hand” button and wait for a moderator to bring you up.

Once you've hosted three successful rooms, you’re eligible to apply for your own club—though approval is subject to moderation.

Conversations can be public, private, or limited to club members. Moderators manage who gets to speak, keep discussions on track, and ensure a respectful environment. You can also schedule future conversations via the app’s built-in calendar.

Leaving a room is easy too, just tap “Leave Quietly,” and you're gone without a trace. No alerts. No awkward exits. Just seamless, low-pressure interaction.

Clubhouse removes the distractions of visuals and text, making conversations feel more direct and authentic. It’s no surprise that guides and best practices are already circulating, especially among English-speaking users.

How to Set Up Your Clubhouse Profile

Currently, Clubhouse is most popular among entrepreneurs, tech founders, and digital creators. While the platform still feels exclusive, now is the perfect time to leverage that sense of intimacy for high-quality networking.

Photo: Use a high-quality headshot with good lighting and a clear background. A bold or colorful backdrop helps your profile stand out.

Bio: Your bio can include up to 125 characters, so keep it concise. Describe what you do, your interests, or what you talk about in rooms. Think of it like your Instagram name.

Social Links: There’s no private messaging in Clubhouse. The only way people can connect with you outside the app is through linked Instagram and Twitter profiles. Make sure those links are up-to-date—users can’t copy and paste, so simpler is better.

How to Get a Clubhouse Invite

Clubhouse started as an invite-only platform for Silicon Valley insiders, with the first 5,000 users hand-picked by the app’s creators. That exclusivity continues today.

To join, you’ll need an invite from an existing user—and Clubhouse is currently available only on iOS. Each user gets a limited number of invites, though that number increases over time with activity. The more active you are, the more invites you earn.

Since every profile shows who invited you, users are often selective about who they bring in. That exclusivity has driven demand so high, invites are even being sold on eBay.

Tips for Growing Your Presence on Clubhouse

Be Active

Join rooms, raise your hand, and become a part of the conversation. The more you participate, the more visible you become.

Optimize Your Profile

Make your bio clear and engaging. Choose a fun, recognizable username and write a description that lets people know what to expect from you.

Cross-Promote

Let your followers on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook know you're on Clubhouse. Share your upcoming rooms, memorable moments, and interesting discussions.

Start Your Own Rooms

Create conversations around trending topics, share your thoughts on industry news, or just start a casual Q&A session. Build your reputation as a go-to voice in your niche.

Clubhouse is still evolving. But for now, it’s a space where authentic, unscripted conversations can spark real connections. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

And if you're also building a presence on YouTube, don't miss our guide to increasing YouTube coments—an essential read for growing engagement across platforms.