Clubhouse is an audio-based social media platform that launched in 2020 and quickly gained fame as a unique social media platform focusing on voice interactions. Unlike text and image-heavy apps, it offered real-time audio conversations. The invite-only model on its first iOS app attracted high-profile users, adding an air of exclusivity.
You used to be able to listen in and participate in different conversations on different topics—sometimes with celebrities like Oprah, Kevin Hart, Jared Leto, and others.
Today, it can be used on iOS and Android devices by anyone who downloads the app and creates a free account. Users have described the Clubhouse experience as a combination of networking opportunities, panel discussions, and live podcasts.
If you're looking for hard, fast facts about Clubhouse, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ve compiled Clubhouse’s current statistics, revealing its impact on the social media industry. By looking at metrics such as user demographics, growth, engagement trends, and revenue streams, we’ll understand its current situation as well as its trajectory for the future.
- Clubhouse Early Growth and Milestones
- Clubhouse User Demographics and Growth
- Clubhouse Performance and Ratings
- Clubhouse Monetization and Creator Economy
- Celebrity and Influencer Participation
- Clubhouse Global Reach
- Clubhouse Community and Engagement
- Clubhouse’s Decline and Challenges
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Clubhouse Early Growth and Milestones
1. The Clubhouse app was first released on iOS in 2020 and on Android in 2021
Clubhouse is the brainchild of Paul Davison and Rohan Seth. The two co-founders started conceptualizing the design for an audio-based social app in the last quarter of 2019.
Their goal was to develop an app that would help users find the best podcasts. They initially named the app “Talkshow,” but it didn’t take off. After several iterations, they ended up rebranding the project and releasing it as a social audio app called “Clubhouse.”
Clubhouse was first released in March 2020 as an iOS-only app. It grew much faster than Davison and Seth anticipated, gaining millions of followers in a matter of months. A year later, in 2021, it was finally released on Android.
2. Both Co-founders of Clubhouse also founded other startups
Both Davison and Seth weren’t strangers to app development. Prior to coming up with the idea for Talkshow, Davison had already created Highlight, a social app for iOS and Android that allowed users to share their contact information with nearby people. Its main purpose was to bring people together and foster positive face-to-face connections. He sold the app to Pinterest in 2016.
On the other hand, Seth was a former Google engineer who co-founded Memry Labs in 2014, as well as helped develop several other social apps on iOS and Android. Memry Labs, like Highlight, was also sold to a bigger company—this time to Opendoor Technologies in April 2017.
3. Valuation jumped from $100 million to $1 billion between May 2020 and January 2021
Within just a few months after launch, Clubhouse’s valuation surged from $100 million to a whopping $1 billion. This was driven mainly by a huge spike in popularity among iOS users—and eventually Android—during the pandemic. The invite-only access that it initially had also played a role since it created a sense of exclusivity around the app that fueled demand.
4. The highest recorded valuation for Clubhouse was $4 billion back in 2021
In the January 2021 Series B funding, Clubhouse was valued at $1 billion – 10 times higher than its initial valuation during its launch the previous year. Its perceived value rose even higher to $4 billion in April 2021 after it closed a Series C financing round.
Led by Andrew Chen at a16z, the Series C round raised $200M with 48 major investors including Elad Gil, Tiger Global, and DST Global. Clubhouse estimates its entire investor base to have almost 200 creators, angels, and funds.
5. Clubhouse has raised $310 million in funding since its launch
Since it first launched, Clubhouse raised $310 million in funding. This influx of money was key in helping the app grow quickly, adding new features and keeping up with its expanding user base.
Clubhouse User Demographics and Growth
6. The number of registered Clubhouse users jumped from 600,000 in December 2020 to 6 million by February 2021
Between December 2020 and February 2021, Clubhouse saw a massive jump in the number of users. The app went from 600,000 users to a whopping 6 million in just two months. This growth was incredible, especially considering that you needed an invitation from an existing member to join.
A big part of this surge came after billionaire businessman Elon Musk hosted an exclusive discussion on Clubhouse. Because of this, a lot of people tried joining the platform, almost crashing it in the process.
7. Over 56% of Clubhouse’s registered users are aged between 18 to 34
More than half of Clubhouse users, about 56%, are between 18 and 34 years old. This age group loves the platform’s real-time, interactive audio chats—a refreshing break from the polished posts you see on traditional social media.
Also, Clubhouse's focus on live conversations, where anything can happen, really speaks to younger users. They’re at the age where they crave authenticity and engagement over heavily edited content.
8. Clubhouse has a nearly even gender split with 51% female users and 49% male users
Unlike other social media platforms that tend to attract one gender more than the other, Clubhouse’s audio-focused format had broad appeal. This is likely due to the platform’s features enabling diverse and open discussions, which made it a welcoming space for all.
On a bigger scale, it also meant that the conversations on the platform were rich with different perspectives. It opened up opportunities for brands to engage in meaningful interactions that resonated with a wide range of people.
9. Clubhouse had 15 million weekly active users at its peak
At its height, Clubhouse managed to attract 15 million weekly active users. Real-time audio chats hosted regularly on the app drew in people looking for spontaneous and interactive conversations. It was a new way to connect, and it quickly became popular as users welcomed the chance to participate in lively discussions.
But over time, Clubhouse's user base began to shrink. The initial excitement wore off, especially as other platforms started offering similar features.
10. Total downloads have reached over 40 million by 2023
By 2023, Clubhouse crossed the 40 million download mark. The app's appeal was strong, especially during the pandemic, when people sought new ways to connect while staying at home. Although it's not as popular now, the large number of downloads indicates some interest in what Clubhouse offers, even after the initial buzz.
Clubhouse Performance and Ratings
11. Clubhouse was ranked among the top 50 social apps on Google Play Store
Clubhouse has had fluctuating rankings on the Google Play Store. During its peak, it was among the top 50 free social apps in the US.
As of August 2024, however, Clubhouse is no longer on that list. However, it still holds #50 in the UK and #44 in Australia.
12. Clubhouse scores 4 out of 5 on the Google Play Store
Although its ranking has been dropping in recent years, Clubhouse still scores 4.3 stars out of 5 on the Google Play Store. Its recent update has been met with one- or two-star reviews, with most users citing difficulty with logging in or privacy concerns.
13. Clubhouse held the 16th spot in the Apple App Store under the Social Networking category
Clubhouse was initially an iOS-only app, and it quickly gained popularity with its fresh, audio-first approach. At the height of this popularity, it snagged the 16th spot among the top social networking apps in the Apple App Store. Unfortunately, Clubhouse no longer holds the same appeal for iOS users as it once did.
14. Clubhouse has a 4.8 out of 5 on the Apple App Store
Clubhouse has an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating on the Apple App Store, with over 769.6K ratings as of 2024. While it’s not in the top 50 social networking apps anymore, this high rating isn't surprising given its past success. Sadly, recent reviews show a noticeable drop in user satisfaction.
While early reviews were mostly positive, focusing on the app’s fresh and innovative approach, many negative reviews started appearing around 2023. Recent reviews cite a lack of accessibility improvements and issues with its VoiceOver feature.
15. Monthly traffic on the official Clubhouse website reached 1.8 million
At its height, the Clubhouse website was getting 1.8 million visitors each month. It was incredibly popular, with people eager to learn more, sign up, or figure out how to get an invite.
The buzz around Clubhouse, helped along by media coverage and word-of-mouth, was a big driver of this web traffic. Not to mention, the exclusive, invite-only model created curiosity and a sense of urgency as well.
Clubhouse Monetization and Creator Economy
16. Over 86% of marketing professionals liked Clubhouse at one point
Many experts found Clubhouse marketing to be a good strategy during the peak of its popularity. About 86.2% of marketing professionals believed Clubhouse to be a viable channel. Around 40% of marketers have also generated business from Clubhouse.
17. Clubhouse had an invite-only Creator Pilot Program
In December 2020, Clubhouse launched a Creator Pilot Program with 50+ selected Clubhouse influencer projects. To help them develop the series, each participant received a $5,000 per month stipend, as well as gear and creative support. The goal was to produce and launch each show.
The chosen finalists from all over the world shared their pilot episodes with everyone on the app. Sports, history, healthcare, scavenger hunt games, psychedelics, alternative living, KPOP news, fashion and beauty, politics, and pop culture are among the topics covered.
18. Over 180 organizations and venture capitalists invested in Clubhouse
More than 180 organizations and venture capitalists invested in Clubhouse. Many believed in the potential of Clubhouse's fresh take on social media. With the investors’ backing, the platform began developing an Android app and added features to make it more accessible to people worldwide.
These investments helped keep the servers running smoothly, even as the app gained users faster than expected. It also enabled Clubhouse to expand its Trust & Safety and Support teams and add tools to prevent abuse.
On top of that, the app got better at helping users find conversations that match their interests. Finally, the investment enabled creators new ways to earn, such as tips and subscriptions, and launched a grant program to help emerging creators succeed.
19. Clubhouse venture capital went from $10M to $100M in less than a year
In May 2020, just a couple of months after its launch, Clubhouse raised a series A funding. Valuing the company at $100 million, Andreessen Horowitz purportedly sealed a deal that included $10 million in primary capital and $2 million in secondary shares. This amount was noteworthy because, at that time, the app only had around 5,000 beta test users, no unique website, and hardly any press release about the app or the company.
After a round of Series B funding in January 2021, Clubhouse was able to raise around $100 million with Andreesen Horowitz leading the funding round. Other angel investors boosted the company’s capital funding to a hundred million dollars and a value of $1 billion.
In total, Clubhouse has raised $110 million over five rounds of funding. Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm, is the principal investor in the app. Clubhouse has 15 other investors, including TQ Ventures, Scott Belsky, and 10X Capital.
20. Clubhouse launched Payments and Creator First to enable creators to monetize content
In April 2021, Using part of its recent funding, Clubhouse initially tested paying creators on the platform directly through features like tipping, tickets, or subscriptions.
It eventually launched Clubhouse Payments, a monetization feature for creators that was powered by Stripe. Clubhouse users can now send payments directly to creators. Users sending payments shoulder the processing fee so 100% of the money they send goes to the creator.
21. Clubhouse’s revenue was $4.2 million in 2021 alone
In 2021, Clubhouse pulled in $4.2 million in revenue. This mainly came from early efforts to let users tip creators and pay for exclusive events. Even though these features were in their infancy, they showed that people were willing to pay for unique content and experiences on the app.
Celebrity and Influencer Participation
22. The first influencer on Clubhouse was Sheel Mohnot
Sheel Mohnot, founder of the California-based venture capital company Better Tomorrow Ventures, was Clubhouse’s first social media influencer. He was a regular participant in "Back of the Bus," an after-hours Clubhouse room. He was even a contestant on Zoom Bachelorette, an online dating event in 2020 that went viral on Clubhouse.
By spring 2021, he was fully engaged in Clubhouse, hosting two weekly shows and taking part in notable events like a public second-date discussion. Eventually, Mohnot connected with record executive Scooter Braun on Clubhouse. He was later featured in the ‘Stuck With U’ music video with Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
23. Clubhouse attracted many celebrities and other "elites"
Any platform that promises exclusivity is bound to attract celebrities and other notable personalities. Some of the most followed Clubhouse accounts included:
- Rohan Seth (@rohan) - 7.4 million followers
- Paul Davison (@paul) - 6.4 million followers
- Tiffany Haddish (@tiffanyhaddish1) - 5.9 million followers
- Felicia Horowitz (@feliciahorowitz) - 5.4 million followers
- Marc Andreessen (@pmarca) - 5.1 million followers
- Anu (@anu) - 5 million followers
- Jared Leto (@jaredleto) - 4.9 million followers
- Chris Lyons (@chrislyons) - 4.9 million followers
- Van Jones (@van) - 4.6 million followers
- Ben Horowitz (@bentonio) - 4.5 million followers
Additionally, here’s a list of the celebrities (A-list and not) we've seen creating rooms, lurking, and participating in conversations:
- Oprah Winfrey (talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist)
- Drake (rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur)
- Jared Leto (actor and musician)
- Tiffany Haddish (actor, comedian, and author)
- Joe Budden (broadcaster, cultural critic, media personality, and former rapper)
- Kevin Hart (comedian, actor, and producer)
- Chet Hanks (actor, musician, and Tom Hanks's son)
- Meek Mill (rapper, songwriter, and activist)
- 21 Savage (rapper, songwriter, and record producer)
- Ashleigh Louise (UK's famous moderator)
- Wiley (rapper, songwriter, DJ, and record producer)
- Ashton Kutcher (actor, model, producer, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist)
- Chris Rock (comedian, actor, television producer, and filmmaker)
- DeRay McKesson (activist, podcaster, and former school administrator)
- Shaka Senghor (Head of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion at TripActions, Director's Fellow Alumni of the MIT Media Lab, college lecturer, and author)
- Van Jones (news commentator, author, and lawyer)
- Virgil Abloh (designer, entrepreneur, and DJ)
- Kanye West (rapper, record producer, and fashion designer)
- CC Sabathia (former professional baseball pitcher)
- Jaylon Smith (Dallas Cowboys linebacker)
- Marcellus Wiley (retired American football defensive end)
- JaVale McGee (Cleveland Cavaliers center)
- Michael Ovitz (businessman, investor, and philanthropist)
- Ted Lieu (U.S. Representative)
- Mark Cuban (entrepreneur, television personality, media proprietor, and investor)
- Terry Crews (actor, comedian, activist, artist, bodybuilder, and former professional football player)
- Jeffrey Katzenberg (film producer and media proprietor)
- Jodie Turner-Smith (model and actor)
- MC Hammer (rapper, dancer, record producer, and entrepreneur)
- Estelle (singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor)
24. The most followed Clubhouse user, Rohan Seth, has 7.4 million followers
Rohan Seth, a co-founder of Clubhouse, became the platform's most followed user with 7.4 million followers. His key role in creating and promoting the app drew the attention of users who were eager to connect with one of the minds behind it. He was also quite active in discussions and was available virtually all the time, which contributed to his rise in popularity.
Clubhouse Global Reach
25. Clubhouse is available in 154 countries
The Apple App Store is available in 175 countries, and you can find Clubhouse on 154 of them. Within a year after its 2020 launch, Clubhouse became super popular in several countries outside of the US. Eventually, the founders started planning localizations in order to make the app more accessible and engaging for worldwide users.
Finally, in late 2021, Clubhouse came out with an update containing 13 new languages for the Android version of the app. This included languages in countries where Clubhouse was most popular like German, French, Japanese, and Italian. The iOS language update came later.
26. Outside the US, Clubhouse’s top countries are the UK, Germany, and Japan
Clubhouse started to increase in popularity outside the US in late 2020. At the time, it was still in private beta, and yet, it managed to hit over 3.2 million downloads in a matter of months.
Around 36% of these downloads came from outside the US. Germany, Japan, and the UK, in particular, were huge for Clubhouse. These countries alone added 700,000 downloads in just a few days. Turkey, Canada, and Italy weren’t far behind with over 260,000 total downloads.
27. The Chinese government banned Clubhouse in February 2021
In early 2021, Clubhouse faced a major controversy in China when the government suddenly banned the app. Clubhouse was slowly gaining the attention of the Chinese government for allowing users to engage in open discussions on sensitive subjects like politics and human rights—topics that typically face heavy censorship in the country. For a short period, individuals in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong had the rare opportunity to communicate freely about anything and everything using the platform.
However, this newfound freedom was short-lived. On Monday evening just before the Lunar New Year, Chinese users discovered they could no longer access Clubhouse. The government intervened after recognizing the app’s rapid growth and its use as a space for discussing taboo topics.
This sudden action brought an end to what some had referred to as “the Renaissance of China,” a brief moment when open dialogue was possible. While the ban was disappointing, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, as many had doubted the app's potential longevity in China.
Clubhouse Community and Engagement
28. Clubhouse has invite-only Houses
In March 2021, Houses are designed for users to meet new people through their friend groups in a private setting. Inside a House, there can be multiple live conversations happening at once, and everyone can connect through a main chat feature that’s available to all members. Each one has its own private hallway, allowing users to set up different rooms and move between them.
That said, Houses are different from Clubs. While Houses are meant for large groups who want to chat with each other, Clubs are better for creators who want to broadcast to an audience. Houses only supported live chats, without replays or events. In other words, they’re members-only zones.
29. The most popular club on Clubhouse has almost 1 million followers
Startup Club was Clubhouse's largest club. Its goal was to spotlight exceptional startup-related individuals, ideas, and events. Human Behaviour came in second with 764.800 followers. Rounding out the top 5 were Tech Talks (673,800 followers), English Language (512,200 followers), and Bitcoin (497,400 followers).
30. 700K rooms were being created every day on Clubhouse
By the end of September 2023, Clubhouse users were creating about 700,000 rooms every day, even as the app’s download numbers were dropping. Despite its dwindling popularity among new people, existing users were still actively using the platform to connect in different ways. They could choose from open rooms, social rooms, or closed rooms, depending on who they wanted to include.
Most of these rooms were set up for personal moments with family and friends to have casual chats, watch shows together, celebrate birthdays, and enjoy other special occasions. They basically became a way for users to bond and stay connected with their loved ones.
Clubhouse’s Decline and Challenges
31. Clubhouse announced a 50% staff reduction in April 2023
From a team nearing 100 employees back in October 2022, the company has laid off over half of its workforce. The decision came as Clubhouse recalibrated its resources and focused on the development of “Clubhouse 2.0.” This wave of layoffs marked a period of contraction for the company that has seen consistent growth. Despite the cutbacks, the remaining team at Clubhouse is tasked with driving the next phase of the company's growth and innovation.
32. Clubhouse lost 80% of its active user base less than a year after its peak
Less than a year after its peak, Clubhouse saw a steep drop, losing 80% of its active users—and it’s still dropping today.
How exactly did this happen? The initial excitement wore off and other social media platforms rolled out similar audio features, which meant Clubhouse was no longer as unique as it once was. Additionally, some users found the platform less engaging over time, leading them to drift away.
Conclusion
Clubhouse had its moment in the spotlight, drawing millions with its fresh take on social audio. But like many apps that explode in popularity, its buzz faded over time. This rise and fall isn't unusual—many digital trends hit big, only to lose steam as the novelty wears off or other platforms catch up with similar features.
Clubhouse’s story is a good example of how trends in tech can have extreme ups and downs. It shows that while it's possible to capture the spotlight quickly, staying relevant is much harder. The app’s journey is a reminder that in a fast-paced industry like social media, staying on top means constantly evolving to keep people engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is a social audio app launched in 2020. It lets users join or create audio chat rooms to discuss various topics. The app became popular during the pandemic for its real-time, voice-based interactions and exclusivity.
Is Clubhouse dead?
Clubhouse isn't dead, but its popularity has declined since its peak in 2021. The company is trying to regain user engagement by introducing new features and formats.
Who is Sheel Mohnot?
Sheel Mohnot is a fintech investor and entrepreneur. He is best known for his involvement in various startups and venture capital firms, including co-founding the Fintech Fund.
How can you get an invite to Clubhouse?
Though it was initially invite-only, you no longer need an invite to join Clubhouse in 2024. Users can access all of Clubhouse’s features by downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and signing up.
Can anyone create a club on Clubhouse?
Yes, any user can create a club on Clubhouse. Clubs can be public or private, allowing members to host and join discussions on their chosen topics.
Can I earn money on Clubhouse?
Yes, you can earn money on Clubhouse through ticketed events and brand partnerships. The platform also supports creator payments, taking a percentage of the revenue generated.