Clubhouse unveils private messaging feature, Backchannel, a month after it leaked
At a Glance
Clubhouse has unveiled its direct messaging feature, backchannel, a month after it was leaked to some users. Currently, the feature allows users to send only texts and links
Invite-only social audio app, Clubhouse, has launched its direct messaging feature- Backchannel- for all users, which allows them to slide into a one-on-one chat mode or a group text format.
My hat? Tipped
— Clubhouse (@Clubhouse) July 14, 2021
My mic? Flashed
My messaging? Direct.
After we unintentionally leaked their feature 5 times, here’s our beloved engineering team introducing the new Clubhouse Backchannel ? pic.twitter.com/3bPHeGxQaZ
The announcement comes after the app inadvertently leaked the feature to some users last month. Though the newly launched private messaging feature allows users to send links and interact with one another, images and videos cannot be shared. However, reports quoting spokespersons state that new features would be introduced soon, alongside a secondary inbox.
Wow looks like accidental update of @clubhouse enabled in app backchannel & switch of side bar & full experience.
— Brian Fanzo ? Keynote Speaker $ADHD (@iSocialFanz) June 18, 2021
Seems it’s rolled back now but from what I saw it was beautiful!!
On stage > move to hallway > hit arrow > back channel popped up! @jowyang @GaryLHenderson pic.twitter.com/5bJfVlg7t5
CNBC reported that the new growth spurt for Clubhouse was hinted at by its CEO, Paul Davison, during an appearance at the media house, where he stressed that the social audio app had seen one million Android users join shortly after its launching. Mr. Davison also stated that millions were on the waitlist.
Since its launch and granting access to Android users in May this year, reports cite backchannel as a critical development for the app. Clubhouse states that its app has witnessed over 8 million downloads on Android devices, with more than 500,000 rooms created daily. Its competitors- Twitter Spaces and Facebook Live Audio Rooms, both allow people to text chat while also running or participating in an audio conversation, so Backchannel brings Clubhouse more up to par and ensures users keep their discussions and more of their social life on the app, The Verge said.
Clubhouse is listed as an app on CNBC Disruptor 50 companies, 2021, its ninth annual disruptor list. The media house highlights private companies leading out of the pandemic with business models and growth rates aligned with a rapid pace of technological change.
