We’re back with another update from the world of social media and digital marketing! Here are some of the stories you don’t want to miss.
The 411 on Clubhouse
Clubhouse is the newest platform taking over social media. Unlike most social media apps, Clubhouse is audio-only; there are no photos or videos to scroll through. The idea is to listen in on other users talking about topics ranging from sports to tech to wellness. Think of it as a part discussion board, part live podcast, and part conference call.
That probably doesn’t sound very appealing on its own. But maybe what makes Clubhouse so attractive is its exclusivity. The iOS-only app is only available if you have an invite, and you can only get an invite from existing users. After Elon Musk and Bill Gates appeared on the app, demand for Clubhouse memberships skyrocketed and led to invites being sold through Reddit, eBay, and Craigslist.
Since Clubhouse is still in beta testing, there aren’t any advertising opportunities quite yet. Still, it’s worth staying up-to-date on the platform as it’s eventually pushed out to the general public.
TikTok rivalries rage on
Back in September, Google introduced YouTube Shorts, a TikTok-like feature within the YouTube app. After successful testing in India (where TikTok is banned), Google is ready to expand Shorts to the U.S. Much like TikTok and Instagram’s Reels, Shorts allows you to create and view 15-second video clips, add music, and edit transitions within the app.
Time will tell if all the TikTok competitors can keep up. TikTok is forecasted to surpass one billion monthly users in 2021 and shows no signs of slowing down soon. Meanwhile, as just about every social media giant rolls out their own version of short-form video features, we may start to see platforms adding fees or other upgrades to differentiate themselves.
Twitter explores paid subscription model
Although not confirmed, media outlets are reporting that Twitter may launch premium paid features and “tipping” to access exclusive content on the app. Supposedly, Twitter aims to rely less on advertising and encourage its top users to keep tweeting.
With the advertising world shifting away from cookies, having additional revenue opportunities could be a smart move for Twitter. Offering subscriptions with exclusive content and features may appeal to frequent Twitter users. Likewise, it will benefit brands to identify the users who are willing to pay for content.
Again, the new subscription offering is still speculation, with no official word from Twitter that anything is changing as of yet. However, it’s is certainly something to keep an eye on. If a paid model brings in more revenue for Twitter, other top social platforms could follow suit.
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