Commentary: Clubhouse Brings Value With Education, Networking

LOS ANGELES—2021 is just starting and it already brought a big surprise with an unexpected booming use of the new social media platform: Clubhouse.  The app, developed by the entrepreneur Paul Davison and ex-Google employee Rohan Seth, launched in April 2020 and it quickly became the new “place to be” for influencers.  Exclusively available for Apple users, the free audio-chat system is an invite-only circle which gives the users a sense of premium service.  “Clubhouse is powerful, the fact that I can connect with others in the same industry to network with just a click is amazing," explained Bigdickfig, adult artist and content creator. "A connection through voice has been a great way to connect with someone, something you can’t do with any other social media platform." Clubhouse is a worldwide network focused on connecting people through audio-only exchanges in real-time virtual rooms. In a nutshell, think about the old webchat rooms, but speaking over your phone instead of typing what you want to share with the other users who are gathered in the same virtual space. Users can create “rooms” and set up a topic. The room creators become a moderator and can invite other moderators to help him to manage the communication flow by inviting guests on the virtual stage; i.e to invite speakers and give them the access to the microphone.  Everyone can join the room and speak by “raising their hand” or they can just listen to the conversations and hit the “leave quietly” button to switch to another room.  “I really love the authenticity of Clubhouse, this app is by the far the most amazing networking tool I have come across,” said Marcela Luv, adult content creator and influencer. The B2B side of the adult industry is also already represented on the platform with dozens of experts and influencers. “Clubhouse has been a really great resource for networking, meeting people that I otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to meet," said Brittany Andrews, a 2008 AVN Hall of Fame inductee. "Then being able to have conversations on topics with them for specific business needs that I have has been very valuable. I also like the drops of gem knowledge I get from other models. I also very much enjoy being able to help the adult community with the knowledge I possess from being in this business for 30 years. Often knowledge doesn’t get the respect it deserves in this industry, however, on Clubhouse it’s the central focus. Which in my book, that’s where the true value lies for this new platform.”  The app wasn’t expecting such a fast deployment but everything accelerated in early February, when Elon Musk himself decided to pop in and talk about one of his companies called Neuralink (research on brain implants).  After that, in only 16 days, the app has grown more than 100% in terms of number of users and reached more than 8 million downloads all over the world. Even the social media industry giant, Mark Zuckerberg, has created an account on the platform under the nickname “Zuck23”. The first trends are already showing that the app is very popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Brazil and Turkey. The main topics developed over the rooms are: technology, dating, casual chat over a night drink, and … content creation for adult entertainers!  Clubhouse has been welcoming a lot of sex workers who are eager to share their business experiences and tips in a very generous and friendly atmosphere. “Our industry must continue to innovate and given the limitations of the world currently for networking and socializing amongst your tribe, Clubhouse provides a space for us to connect safely,” said Austin Wolf, adult performer and creator of 4my.fans. Clubhouse is a rabbit-hole at the cross-road between Twitter and live podcasts, providing a new space that seems (so far) safe for adult performers. A lot of interesting conversations around adult activities have already taken place, especially about content creation, clips business, sales and marketing, legal and taxes and fetish life. The feedback from the participants is unanimous, so far, they all “loved the sessions” to quote them. “Very profitable in terms of experience sharing and networking." “For me Clubhouse has been so enlightening," explained Lindsey Banks, cam girl and influencer. "I’ve found acceptance, inclusive and diverse rooms, all kinds of social constructs and situations that some would find uncomfortable but conversations that are much needed. I have been able to moderate, create community. I’ve also learned to become a better listener, communicator and stand up for what I believe in!”  Clubhouse developers have confirmed that the launching phase was a success and that they will start working on the Android version but haven’t given any ETA yet. Alex Lecomte is managing director for 7Veils social media. For more information about social media marketing and how to develop a strategy for your adult business, email [email protected]