Twitter has recently launched Twitter Spaces, which is rival to another audio-only App – Clubhouse. This new feature that is hosted directly on Twitter, allows people with over 600 followers to host a ‘Space’ on Twitter where anyone can join.
However, how different is Twitter Spaces to Clubhouse?
Accessibility
Clubhouse
For a while now, Clubhouse has only been available to download on iOS. The company has recently announced that the app is available to download on Android in the USA and more countries in the upcoming weeks. However, to fully access the app and its features you would need to be invited by someone who is already on Clubhouse.
Spaces
Twitter is available to download on both Android and iOS. Unlike Clubhouse, you do not need an invite to access the features of Spaces.
Functionality
How Clubhouse works
In Clubhouse, anyone can create a Room. You are also able to join a Room by simply tapping on a Room of your choice. You are automatically muted as a listener however if you do wish to speak in a Room, you can ‘raise your hand’.
Similar to Facebook groups, Clubhouse has a feature called ‘Clubs’ which are interest-based groups that members can both create and join.
How Spaces works
Twitter users with over 600 followers are the only accounts that can start a Space. However, the Space is open for anyone on Twitter to join. A Space created by someone you follow will appear at the top of your timeline.
Spaces allow listeners to react with emojis, Tweet or DM the Space, and request to speak in the Space. Spaces also allow listeners and moderators to enable captions within the Space.
Security and Privacy
Clubhouse
Room moderators in Clubhouse have the ability to remove and report anyone in the Room. Clubhouse also records the Audio while the Room is live. This recording is used in case an incident gets reported in the Room however, this audio gets deleted after the Room has ended.
Spaces
Hosts are able to mute speakers simultaneously, take their mic away as well as remove them from the Space. Anyone is able to report and/or block others as well as report the Space. Once a Space has ended, Twitter will retain a copy of the audio for 30 days. This is in case the audio needs to be reviewed for any violations against Twitter Rules.
Final Thoughts
Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces are very similar in their design and functionality. While we admire the exclusivity and the newfound status of Clubhouse, we can’t help but think that the company fell short on the app’s growth. This has allowed many companies to create their own version of ‘Clubhouse’. One of these companies being Twitter has managed to launch Twitter Spaces which is much more accessible and available to a larger audience. Needless to say, we think Twitter Spaces is the way to go!
To learn more about Clubhouse click here.
To learn more about Twitter Spaces click here.
