Why Clubhouse Is Launching Private Communities Called Houses

We live in a world where social media makes it easy for strangers to interact with each other. Sometimes, that engagement works if people connect on the same interests. Clubhouse makes this possible while closing the physical gap between individuals.

The social audio platform wants to make it even easier for like-minded people to connect. That’s why it has announced the rollout of private communities called Houses, which help you find relevant Rooms to join. Continue reading to learn more about Houses and why Clubhouse has pivoted.

Clubhouse Announces Private Communities Called Houses

Clubhouse has changed its format. Instead of having just one app with multiple communities, the company has announced plans to launch private communities called Houses. The news was announced by Clubhouse co-creator, Paul Davison, on Twitter.

Houses are Clubhouse breakaways. They’ll work similarly to Clubhouse, but they’ll be more intimate, and each House will be tailored to a niche audience. Every House will have different Rooms that are all part of the broader theme of the House.

Clubhouse user signups and downloads declined in 2022. According to TheWrap, the app’s monthly downloads declined 86% compared to 2020. In truth, the app struggled following lockdowns as people were able to connect in person again. Houses could be the solution to keep users engaged and attract more users.

Why Clubhouse Is Launching Houses

When Clubhouse was created, it was meant to be for friend groups—smaller communities where friends of friends could connect via audio. That’s why it was an invite-only app. Think Facebook, but for friends and mutual friends, and in audio format instead of pictures and videos. However, just like Facebook, word got around about the new app at the time, and it took off.

Eventually, Clubhouse allowed anyone to join without an invitation. But the growth meant that the app was no longer what it was intended to be—a platform for small communities of friends. This is why Clubhouse founders created the concept of Houses. They wanted to provide a more personalized version of the Clubhouse app as we know it, which is tailored to specific communities.

This makes it more likely to find Rooms that appeal to you based on your interests. For instance, when you opened the Clubhouse app in the past, it was common to scroll through Rooms about finance beauty, music, and social issues all in one sitting. This made it a bit difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Clubhouse added a universal search feature in September 2021, which made it a little easier to find interesting Rooms. However, the app still showed you irrelevant Rooms. With Houses, all your options will be relevant because you would have joined a particular House based on its niche. House Rooms will be private to prevent what happened with Clubhouse from happening again.

What the Launch of Houses Means for Users

If you’re a fan of Clubhouse and still find value in it, you can continue to use it as before. You can scan the Hallway to find interesting Rooms to join as normal. However, if you want a more intimate setting, you’ll have to join a House that appeals to you. Alternatively, you can start one of your own and invite others to join.

Even though House Rooms are private, member lists will be public, so take note of that before joining. Houses have entered beta, but you can sign up to start a House by filling in a Google form. Clubhouse will approve applications gradually as it continues to develop Houses. There’s no word on when they’ll be available to everyone.

Clubhouse Is Becoming More Relevant

If you’ve been disappointed in the Rooms available to join on Clubhouse, that might change. You can take matters into your own hands by creating your own House and inviting people to join.

Or your friends from Clubhouse might add you to a House they know you’ll like based on the Rooms you’ve been a part of in the past. Either way, Houses are an opportunity for you to enjoy social audio once again.