Context:

Clubhouse, the popular audio-based social networking app, is facing some big challenges. First and foremost, a number of high-profile users and creators have left the platform in recent months. This includes well-known podcasters like NPR’s Alex Blumberg, iHeartRadio’s Suzy Batiz, and, most recently, Axel Mansoor who is the host of Lullaby Club – a virtual room full of sleepytime talk and music. Additionally, a number of well-known tech figures, including former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo and Basecamp CEO Jason Fried, have also departed. While it’s not clear exactly why all of these users have left Clubhouse, it’s likely that the platform’s failure to address a number of key issues is to blame. For example, the app has been plagued by hosting problems, privacy concerns, and a general lack of features. As a result, many users are looking for alternatives.

Conversation:

• Ross and Craig discuss their own personal use of the Clubhouse app and what they liked and disliked about it. 
• The concept of growing too fast is something that may not seem like a problem that small businesses concern themselves with but it’s a very real challenge that can quickly derail a successful business. 

Ross talks about Clubhouse competitors – the most obvious being Twitter Spaces but also the new player in the space, Amazon AMP, which will combine spoken word with music.

Context:

When TikTok first launched in 2016, it was met with skepticism. How could yet another social media app possibly hope to compete with the likes of Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat? But in just a few short years, TikTok has established itself as a major player in the social media landscape. With around 1 billion active users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most popular apps and social platforms on the planet. 

What sets TikTok apart from other social media apps is its focus on short, engaging videos. While other platforms are designed for sharing photos and text-based updates, TikTok is all about video content. Users can watch quick, funny videos, or create their own videos and share them with the world. This focus on video content has helped TikTok attract a young, engaged audience but the platform is evolving and has come a long way from just lip sync videos.

Conversation:

• Ross recently joined TikTok both personally and professionally and he shares his experience so far.
• Ross also believes that, despite a rocky start, TikTok is now poised to grow – he’ll share his thoughts on why the social and political landscape favors TikTok. 
• Ross and Craig discuss creating content on TikTok – how long it takes and how to balance content creation efforts by considering level of effort and return on investment.

Context:

Twitter has always been a great platform for creators but it can be challenging for small business marketers to really embrace. While, at its core, Twitter hasn’t changed a ton over the years, they do tend to launch experimental features and tools for creators. 

Conversation:

• Craig is a Twitter lurker (and that’s ok)
• You can download and use the Twitter Planner even if you’re not on Twitter
• Is Twitter’s newsletter service, Revue, right for you and your online audience?
• Twitter has integrated a GIF maker in their camera and the correct, and only, way to pronounce “GIF”