Title: The Rise and Fall of Clubhouse: A Tale of Audio Revolution and Lockdown Connection In 2020 and 2021, the social media landscape in Nigeria and globally was about to undergo a significant transformation. The likes of TikTok were making waves with their innovative vertical video content, while another platform, Clubhouse, emerged as a potential game-changer. Clubhouse was an audio-based social app that promised a unique experience, where users could engage in live audio conversations and connect with others in real-time. It was an exciting time, but as we know now, it was short-lived. On this episode of Version History, a tech podcast, hosts David Pierce, Casey Newton, and Ashley Carman delve into the story of Clubhouse's meteoric rise and epic fall. The trio explores how this simple audio group chat app turned into a booming entertainment and creator platform, popular among tech enthusiasts in Nigeria and globally. They discuss what made Clubhouse so appealing to its users, particularly during the pandemic, when people were desperate for human connection. For many Nigerians, who spent most of 2020 under lockdown, Clubhouse provided a lifeline. It was a platform where people could connect with others, share ideas, and engage in conversations that transcended geographical boundaries. The app's early success was largely due to its exclusivity, being invite-only, which created a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among users. However, as more people joined, the app's popularity grew, and its exclusivity factor began to wear off. In this episode, you'll learn about the factors that contributed to Clubhouse's rapid growth, why it failed to sustain its momentum, and what lessons can be learned from its rise and fall. The hosts also ponder what would have happened to Clubhouse if the pandemic hadn't occurred, and whether the app would have been as successful without it. To listen to this episode and get access to more fun content, visit your favorite podcast platform or subscribe to The Verge for ad-free access to Version History and other podcasts. If you're interested in learning more about the full story of Clubhouse, check out the links provided in the show notes.