Clubhouse, the app that has revolutionized the world of social networks in recent months with its voice-centered approach, is ready for its debut on smartphones with the Android operating system, after having long been exclusive to iPhones. La Stampa had announced a preview last March and now the trial version of the app is available on the Play Store (also in Italy) and it is possible to pre-register to be notified of the availability of the final version.
The app, which is structured in rooms where people can talk about various topics, reached its peak of popularity between February and March, after entrepreneurs like Elon Musk participated in some live debates. It also spawned an impressive amount of clones, with similar functions imagined or already developed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (where it got its name from Spaces).
Also on Android, Clubhouse will remain by invitation, at least initially: a few months ago, these access passes were so desired that they were sold at auction on eBay, while now the app’s popularity seems to have definitely dropped, with downloads plummeting from 9, 6 million in February to 2.7 million in March and even 900 thousand in April.
The noticeable drop raised concerns about Clubhouse’s real strength, casting doubt that the initial success was (at least in part) tied to more time people spent at home due to the lockdown. If it is very likely that the opening to the Android world will bring downloads and interest to go back, it is almost certain that however it goes, the traces of Clubhouse will remain for a long time in the world of social networks.