Facebook Threatens Clubhouse With Own Imitation

Facebook is reportedly working on imitating a version of the audio-based social networking platform, Clubhouse.

According to sources, Facebook intends to expand into a new form of communication.

While Facebook’s plan to imitate Clubhouse isn’t surprising, its keen interest could be as a result of the app’s sudden rise to fame.

Recall that Clubhouse was initially introduced in April 2020; however, it only became viral weeks into the New Year.

The free-app had billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk debut on the platform to address trending subjects like cryptocurrency.

Similarly, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg used the Clubhouse app this past Sunday.

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Whether Mark’s attendance in the Clubhouse app is to have a first-hand experience of the app or otherwise is unknown.

Source: Techcrunch

However, the decision to build its version of the now-famous app was said to have been made right after visiting the platform.

According to the sources who are not authorized to speak publicly, the order to develop a similar app was a collective one by Facebook Executives.

Currently, the project that is yet to have a fixed code name is already in motion; apparently in its earliest development stages.

“We’ve been connecting people through audio and video technologies for many years and are always exploring new ways to improve that experience for people,” Emilie Haskell, a Facebook spokeswoman, said.

On the other hand, when asked to comment on what’s at stake, Clubhouse has chosen to stay silent instead.

Facebook has a long track record of imitating apps it considers a threat

Indeed, it is not the first time Facebook will be in the media for such things.

Just two weeks ago, the social media giant joined the newsletter bandwagon in its search for multiple revenue sources.

The tech giant was caught working on a competing product to Substack, the popular newsletter service.

However, unlike most other giants like Twitter (with similar ambition) that resulted in acquiring an existing platform with similar dealing, Facebook has chosen to develop its own in-house.

Far from that, Facebook remains unbeatable when it comes to ripping off competitors’ ideas; especially any that seems to hold a significant threat to its business modules.

In most cases, Facebook often chooses to buy off such products as it did with WhatsApp, Instagram and virtual reality company, Oculus.

However, giving many regulatory protocols, especially from FTC, that kicks against monopolistic functions, Facebook has created its own counter-products.

Recall that the famous Instagram Story feature is an imitation of Snapchat’s Story feature; same as WhatsApp Story.

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Just last year, Facebook also adopted a TikTok-like Instagram Reels, and Zoom-like Messenger Rooms, an attempt to stay relevant at both offerings.

Since Facebook has desisted from acquiring competing apps, it now has a new dedicated product experimentation team working on such products as the Clubhouse imitation.

This dedicated team has previously worked on podcast apps, travel apps and music apps, among others.

Clubhouse speedy growth is applaudable

Although Facebook imitates competing apps, it often considers those it deems a threat to it.

This is also a validation for the audio-based app that it did a great job: and of course, to have had Facebook on its trail, then the app module is sure a unique one.

Created by Paul Davison and Rohan Seth sometime in April 2020, Clubhouse has risen speedily to become one of the most talked-about in recent time.

Source: Vox Media

It has also gained traction among Silicon Valley’s elite as a private, invite-only iPhone app, currently boasting over two million weekly active users.

While the app usage is still limited to iOS users only, the company recently teased that Android users have access to the app sooner than later.

To access the app, interested users must visit the iOS App Store (for now); download and install the app on their device.

Once that is done, sign up and fill in the required bio details; this will then become your identity on the app.

After that, users can create a room and establish a discussion in which other users can hop-in to participate and vice versa.

What else to know about Clubhouse

Unlike other room-based apps that can activate video streams, Clubhouse’s preferred and only medium is the voice chat.

Currently, room size can reach a peak of 5,000 users.

The app has also got the attention of notable public figures like Elon Musk, Drake, Tiffany Haddish, and Jared Leto.

This endorsement by prominent voices has aided the fast adoption of the service across different locations in the world.

Interestingly, the app has suddenly become a PR tool for many brands who now mobilize users from the app.

They also use it as a medium to enlighten their user-base on crucial subject matters.

Source: Cashify

Clubhouse raised $100 million in January at a $1 billion valuation, according to PitchBook.

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However, Facebook is not the only one trying to imitate the app; Twitter is also acclaimed to be testing a product called Spaces.

Clubhouse has also been greatly adopted in the international scene; although this comes with certain backlash in some locations like China.

This past Monday, Clubhouse was blocked in China because it was deemed a threat against political welfare.

People in China had joined those from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and elsewhere to share thoughts on ranging topics.

Other than that, Clubhouse has suddenly become a new sensation among tech enthusiasts and commoners in the social media world.