SOCIAL
Clubhouse Outlines Plan for Next Stage of Android Roll Out
Yes, it might be behind the times already, and yes, with more audio social platforms being launched, the competition is rising for the app.
But Clubhouse still has a strong opportunity for growth, which it’s now looking to maximize with a broader Android rollout over the next week.
Android rollout continues!
???????????????? ???????? Japan, Brazil & Russia coming Tuesday
???????????????? Nigeria & India on Friday AM
???? Rest of world throughout the week, and available worldwide by Friday afternoon— Clubhouse (@Clubhouse) May 16, 2021
As outlined in this tweet, stemming from the app’s latest Town Hall meeting, Clubhouse is aiming to be fully accessible on Android by the end of the week, opening up the app to a lot more users.
Well, theoretically at least.
While Clubhouse, the app, will be made available on all Android devices, it will still only be accessible via an invite-only process. So while, technically, millions more people will be able to access the platform, only those who’ve been invited will actually be able to log in.
So yes, more access, but not entirely open, as such. At least, not yet.
Clubhouse’s invite-only approach has been both its biggest strength and biggest weakness, in that it’s fueled a level of exclusivity, and an air of FOMO around the app, boosting overall interest. But it’s also become a crutch, particularly as Twitter has accelerated the growth of its own Clubhouse-like Spaces tool.
With Spaces now available to all Twitter users with more than 600 followers, on iOS and Android, that’s stolen Clubhouse’s thunder somewhat, as Android users, and those on iOS, are becoming more used to tuning into audio rooms within an app that they already know, and are all able to access such equally, without requiring a specific invite.
That could be what’s seen Clubhouse’s download numbers slow, which are expected to now see a boost as Android users come into the fray.
But even so, it does seem that Twitter has blunted the app’s momentum somewhat – while Facebook has just launched the first stage of live testing for its Clubhouse-like audio social options.
So while it’s clearly a positive that Clubhouse is coming to more users, it’s difficult to measure the potential impacts, and benefits, of such.
Will Clubhouse see a resurgence now that Android users can log in – or will its invite-only approach negate those gains, and see the app’s numbers remain flat, as more users become further aligned to other, in-app audio social tools?
It’s too early to write Clubhouse off entirely, but the challenge before it is rising – and it likely needs to accelerate user access a lot faster to keep up with the competition.
SOCIAL
Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
SOCIAL
Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
SOCIAL
Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement
Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.
As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.
That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.
Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.
That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.
Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.
Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.
We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.
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