If you’ve been asking “What is Clubhouse?”, you’re not alone. Clubhouse emerged in 2020 as a fresh, audio-only social media experience that let people drop in on live conversations — like tuning into a podcast with the option to join the discussion.

Launched in March 2020 by Alpha Exploration Co., Clubhouse quickly gained traction due to its invite-only exclusivity, iPhone-only availability, and early buzz from Silicon Valley insiders. With just 1,500 users, the platform attracted a $12 million investment from Andreessen Horowitz and was valued at $100 million in its first two months.

The Basics: What Is Clubhouse?

At its core, Clubhouse is (or was) a space for casual, drop-in audio conversations. Users could:

• Start a room to chat with followers

• Join as a listener in public discussions

• Engage in live voice chats on topics ranging from startups to mental health, music, and more

The app became a go-to for real-time dialogue, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when people were craving connection.

How to Join Clubhouse

Originally, Clubhouse was:

• Invite-only — similar to a VIP club

• iPhone-exclusive — no Android access in the early days

• Accessible via joinclubhouse.com, which redirected to the Apple App Store

That exclusivity created a sense of hype and urgency, with invites being bought, sold, and coveted like rare tickets.

The Boom: Viral Growth and Mainstream Hype

At its peak in March 2021, Clubhouse hit 10 million active users. It was the talk of the tech world and beyond, with celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers hosting discussions that anyone with an invite could attend.

The live, unrecorded nature of the rooms gave conversations a spontaneous, authentic vibe — a refreshing break from polished, curated content on other platforms.

The Decline: Competition and Fatigue

By March 2022, user numbers had dropped to around 3.5 million. Why?

• Platform competition: Twitter launched Spaces, Facebook tested Live Audio Rooms, and Spotify introduced Greenroom

• Social fatigue: Users tired of live audio’s time demands

• Limited engagement tools: The platform lacked broader content creation or monetization features

Still, by 2023, Clubhouse had surpassed 40 million downloads, a sign that curiosity and interest lingered — even as daily use declined.

Clubhouse in 2025: Rebranded as Shortcut

In a major shift, Clubhouse rebranded to Shortcut in 2025, reflecting a pivot from large live broadcasts to intimate voice chats with friends. The app now emphasizes:

• Spontaneous, small-group conversations

• Friend-to-friend connection rather than influencer-style rooms

• A more casual, lightweight social experience

While no longer the cultural juggernaut it once was, the Shortcut app maintains a loyal user base and continues to evolve its vision for audio-first communication.

Is Clubhouse (Shortcut) Still Worth Using?

If you’re looking for:

• Low-pressure voice chats with people you know

• A break from video fatigue

• A simple, audio-driven way to stay connected

…then Shortcut (formerly Clubhouse) still has something to offer. It’s no longer the must-have status app, but it’s carving out a niche for casual voice communication in a crowded social landscape.

*** Original Post Updated March 2025