There May Be Some New Kids On The Block We Need To Be Friends With. you are Probably familiar with Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces and Instagram Reels but can you call them your "friends"? Do you feel comfortable truly marketing on them?
As we are making our way through 2021, we need to be aware of some pretty cool new platforms that popped up in 2020. While the world was trying to figure out what all was going on some really smart inventors came up with some new social networking platforms. I am sure you are familiar with Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces and Instagram Reels but are you comfortable starting to market on them? It might be wise to check out these newer platforms and see if you can crack the code of marketing. Not saying kick Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to the curb - just saying there may be some new kids on the block we need to be friends with.
New Platforms Launched in 2020
1. Clubhouse
Clubhouse the social media app that was created so people could communicate in audio-only voice chat rooms. Live discussions are hosted with opportunities to participate through speaking and listening, which can be very exciting! You have probably heard of the invitation-only app called Clubhouse; have you been invited to join and did you join?
The invite-only exclusivity of the app makes it unique, at least for now. Some of the site's appeal comes from it having some really famous users. Clubhouse describes itself as a "new type of social project based on voice" where "people everywhere (can) talk, tell stories, develop ideas, deepen friendships and meet interesting new people."
Clubhouse is the one of the latest social media apps “to take the world by storm” it has more than 2 million people using it each week and is valued at over US$1 billion. The audio chat room app is quickly taking off. Clubhouse is currently the 16th most popular app in the “Social Media Network” category of the App Store, behind Facebook, Messenger, Discord, WhatsApp, and other more established social networks.
As Clubhouse is quickly gaining on TikTok as “the next big social network”, it will be interesting to see if the app continues its popularity and goes mainstream like Instagram or fades out like Snapchat. It has drawn some controversy because of the lack of content control and internet bullying taking place but so far this has not hurt the app and it’s elite status.
All the above information is great but are there ways to make money in Clubhouse. What does this mean for marketers? Clubhouse currently does not offer any in-app advertising However, that doesn’t mean you can't advertise with Clubhouse!
Ways To Make Money On Clubhouse
Here are a few ways to strategize your marketing efforts on Clubhouse. 1. Add "Sponsored Post'' or “Brought To You By” messages at the bottom of each post during an event. Inviting brands as sponsors for contests or giveaways where winners can receive products from said company, sponsor specific content such as videos about their product release events etc... The best part? It's all done within their platform which means less work. 2. Have Paid Guest Spots or Do Some Product Placement. Both Brands and Personalities like to be seen at events that draw large crowds. For more information check this out “How to advertise on clubhouse”
As Clubhouse continues to grow so will the opportunities to advertise and market. Recently, Clubroll introduced three ways to advertise on Clubhouse. They have designed three different categories giving you options to market and advertise on Clubhouse.
- Monetize My Club or Event
- Sponsor A Club or Event
- Speak at an Event
If you are interested or have clients that could benefit from these marketing opportunities, take the time to read the above links. Be creative and ahead of the game. It will pay off in the long run.
2. Twitter Spaces
Anyone that is in marketing or entertainment is on Twitter, but what about Twitter Spaces? Twitter is not going to be out done by Clubhouse; It has come out with it’s on live audio conversations on Twitter Spaces. A totally new way to experience Twitter. “Every day, people come to Twitter to talk about what’s happening in the world. And the uptick in interest for social audio means brands need to be ready for the latest evolution in conversation: individual voices. Looking for an innovative and safe way to tap into this growing interest while creating unique experiences for your brand’s audience on Twitter? Tap the mic, and meet Twitter Spaces.”
Twitter Spaces is similar to Clubhouse except it is not invitation only. When you join a Twitter Space, you become a listener. You can join any Space on Twitter, even those hosted by people you don’t know or follow. As a Listener, you are not able to speak. If I want to say something, you send a request to the Host. At that point the host may or may not approve you as a speaker.
There are limitations and differences between the two platforms. Clubhouse has a limit of 5,000 people; Twitter has no limit on the number of listeners but there is a limit of 11 speakers (including the Host).You can only join Twitter Spaces if you have more than 600 followers. So even if they are more inclusive, they have more control over you and over your content. This can be a positive or a negative depending on how you use the platforms. Forbes has a great article on a few of the differences. On May 3rd, 2021, “Twitter announced new features coming to Twitter Spaces. Hosts will soon be able to charge admission for Spaces as well as limit the number of attendees, schedule them in advance, and more.” Twitter Spaces is making more ways to reach your targeted audience and make it easier for marketers. You still have to be creative and think outside of the box but with this knowledge, you can think of ways to bring in revenue and create a buzz around your event.
As far as Marketing goes, Twitter Spaces has opportunities that Clubhouse hasn't enabled yet. Here are 5 strengths that Twitter Spaces already has over its competitionStrengths Twitter Has Over The Competition
- Twitter has major audience reach.
- Twitter Spaces could provide a shorter learning curve.
- Twitter Spaces could be more inviting to brands.
- Twitter Spaces is visually interactive.
- Spaces provides a more casual environment than other streaming platforms.
Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces are evolving and you should keep both in sight and on your marketing radar.
3. Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is Facebook's attempt to compete with TikTok.“Reels invites you to create fun videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram. Record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools.
You can share reels with your followers on Feed, and, if you have a public account, make them available to the wider Instagram community through a new space in Explore. Reels in Explore offers anyone the chance to become a creator on Instagram and reach new audiences on a global stage” Instagram Reels.
This sounds exciting and intriguing but what is the difference between Instagram Reels and other platforms and what should you know about them as far as a marketer? At first glance Instagram Reels and TikTok look the same. They provide users with a creative space to create and share short videos with others, but there are some differences that could be helpful for your marketing strategies. Here is a breakdown of a few differences.
Instagram Reels | TikTok |
1. A new feature inside the overarching Instagram ecosystem | A platform |
2. Users can create a 15-second video only | Video time limit up to 1 minute |
3. Reels shared to Stories will disappear after 24 hours | All videos stay on TikTok |
4. Duet and local file upload aren’t currently supported | Users can “duet” with each other and upload songs directly into the app’s system |
Now, how can you make money or get some brand recognition on Instagram Reels? There are ways to market and get yourself recognized on Instagram Reels. The opportunity to be the first creators on Instagram Reels has arrived and brands should not take this chance for granted. Instead, you should quickly create a reel of content that is engaging and easy to digest so as to reach new audiences who prefer quick-and-easily-digestible content. Go out and be creative and experiment with Reels. Currently, Explore Page is a place that more than 50% of Instagram users use every month. This is a great opportunity for you to expose your brand to new followers. Think about it, if you are already using Instagram, why not add Instagram Reels to your portfolio?
Here are Five Ways to Take Advantage of Instagram Reels
- Re-use your TikTok content on Reels
- Share educational content
- Showcase products
- Behind the scenes content
- Announce your sales.
I know you are familiar with these new platforms and now you know they are growing in popularity. Video and audio are the way to grab and keep people's attention and these platforms have nailed it. We are all fighting for our target audience's attention - we have to be up on all new platforms, be creative, be proactive and be willing to truly think out of the box. This is what we do - have fun with it and send me your ideas and some of your creations. I would love to see your ideas.
