Clubhouse, the audio-based social networking app launched in 2020 by Paul Davison and Rohan Seth, quickly became a global phenomenon. Known for its live audio “rooms,” the app offered users a space to host conversations, network, and connect with friends or experts in real time.
At its peak, estimates suggested more than 700,000 rooms were created daily, and the platform amassed millions of downloads despite initially being invite-only. Its unique format attracted celebrities, thought leaders, and everyday users alike, making it a key tool for remote networking during the pandemic.
Today, Clubhouse remains active with a meaningful global audience.
Reports indicate over 10 million weekly active users in 2025, with a strong appeal among younger demographics aged 18–34. While its explosive early growth has slowed, the app continues to host vibrant communities and specialised rooms, showing that its niche-focused approach has sustained engagement. Downloads have surpassed 20 million globally, and the platform continues to roll out features to enhance connections and user interaction.
A key innovation is Wave, a feature that allows users to greet friends in the Hallway and quickly start private conversations. Alongside traditional rooms, Wave simplifies casual interactions, helping users maintain personal connections and discover new conversations. Clubhouse also supports “Clubs” for community building and has begun exploring monetization tools for creators, demonstrating a shift toward sustained engagement rather than viral novelty.
How does Clubhouse’s Wave work?
Women Love Tech readers consistently tell us they want two things from digital platforms: connection and safety. When Clubhouse launched Wave, it promised casual, friendly check-ins. But as with any social audio tool, understanding privacy is essential.
Here’s what Clubhouse’s Wave shares — and what it doesn’t — based on the latest available information.
✅ What Happens When You Send a Wave?
When you tap Wave:
-
The other person receives a notification that you said hello
-
They see you’re “open to chat”
-
No one else is notified
-
Your availability isn’t public
Clubhouse’s Privacy Policy:
https://clubhouse.com/privacy
✅ What Control on Clubhouse’s Wave Control Do You Have?
You can:
-
Cancel Waves instantly
-
Pause Waves by closing the app
-
Block or report users directly from their profile
-
Control notifications under Settings → Notifications
✅ Important Privacy Notes (2024–2025 Updates)
-
In 2023, Clubhouse introduced Chats (private or group audio messaging). Wave now integrates with these, but permissions remain the same.
-
Clubhouse no longer requires phone-contact access to find friends — a major privacy improvement.
-
You can now limit who can “Wave” at you by adjusting Contacts & Follows settings.
✅ Why This Matters for Women Online
Women face higher rates of unwanted contact across all platforms. Wave helps because:
-
It requires mutual consent before a room opens
-
It’s private
-
It limits exposure to strangers
-
You control when Waves are active
✅ Bottom Line of Clubhouse’s Wave feature:
Wave is one of Clubhouse’s safer connection features — provided you use notification controls and manage your followers list thoughtfully. If you use Clubhouse for networking, Wave can create low-pressure, private spaces to talk without public exposure.
Read more on Clubhouse.
📌 Clubhouse Fact Box: Did You Know?
-
Launch Year: 2020
-
Founders: Paul Davison & Rohan Seth
-
Type: Audio-based social networking app
-
Daily Rooms: Estimated ~700,000 rooms created per day at peak (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2023)
-
Weekly Active Users: ~10 million globally (Demand Sage, 2025)
-
Platforms: iOS and Android
-
Signature Features:
-
Wave: Quickly greet friends in the Hallway
-
Clubs: Join communities around interests
-
Rooms: Public, social, or private audio conversations
-
-
Notable Moments:
-
Hosted celebrity Q&As with Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and Mark Zuckerberg
-
Became a key platform during COVID‑19 for remote networking and events
-
-
Fun Fact: Clubhouse gained 2 million downloads in just 1 month after its early 2020 launch, despite being invite-only.
So while competition from platforms like X, Discord, and Spotify Greenroom has reduced its uniqueness, Clubhouse still offers a distinctive audio-social experience. Its dedicated user base continues to host and discover meaningful conversations, from professional networking to casual chats. In short, Clubhouse is no longer the breakout sensation of 2020 but has matured into a niche platform where communities thrive and connections — casual or significant — continue to be made every day.