Spotify is one of the largest music streaming platforms , so it was expected that at some point it would try to enter the live audio sector . Thus, Greenroom was created , a new social audio network from Spotify, which comes to compete with the popular Clubhouse app .
Clubhouse is an audio chat app that was launched in 2020 and quickly became a huge success. The app hosts thousands of audio rooms where users can listen to or join a conversation. Access to the app is only available through an invitation from an existing user.
See also: Clubhouse Android: Surpassed 2 million users!
Following the launch of Clubhouse, major social media platforms began rolling out their own audio chat services (e.g. Discord Stage Channels and Twitter Spaces). Spotify joins the list of these companies, creating Greenroom. The app is based on Locker Room from Betty Labs, a tech startup acquired by Spotify in March 2021.
Greenroom complements Spotify's existing music and podcast streaming platform. However, to use it, you must download it separately as the Greenroom app on your device.
See also: How to search for songs in a Spotify playlist
What is Spotify's Greenroom?
If you've used Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces, you'll find Greenroom easy to use, as many of the features are similar. You can jump into different audio rooms covering different topics, listen to a conversation, or start your own room. The format is similar to that of live events, where you hear people speak on a virtual stage and may have the opportunity to ask questions.
Each room has three types of members: hosts, speakers, and listeners. Hosts can speak, manage the room, and invite others to join the stage. Speakers are the ones who are on stage at all times. Listeners are the ones who listen to the conversation and can ask permission to speak or ask a question.
A big difference between Spotify Greenroom and its competitors is the monetization model for top creators. In Clubhouse, most creators earn money from donations or sponsorships. Creators in Greenroom can access a creator fund. You can learn more about this on Spotify's official website.
Audio rooms
Currently, there are two main ways to find chat rooms. You can look through the app's home feed, which shows the currently popular, active rooms. The second way involves finding groups using the search function. Each group is based on a specific interest, such as "Music" or "Football." These groups will have multiple rooms, which have specific topics related to that interest. For example, a music group might have some rooms with people playing live music, with interviews with musicians, etc.
Anyone can create or join a public group and create rooms in that group. You can also follow specific creators and get notifications whenever they start a new chat room.
See also: Spotify: You can share podcast episodes with a timestamp
What are Gems?
A unique feature of Spotify Greenroom is the gem system. Gems are similar to “likes” or “karma” and are earned when other people say they like what you have to say. Gems essentially indicate a creator’s popularity and engagement. The total number of gems you have is displayed on your profile. Giving gems to other users does not affect your total number of gems.
Using the Greenroom
Spotify's Greenroom app is currently in beta, and is available for iPhone and Android. Once you get the app (from the App Store or Google Play) you can log in with your existing Spotify account or create a new Greenroom account.
Unlike Clubhouse, Greenroom does not require an invitation.
Because the app is still in beta, you may encounter bugs and issues. However, as Spotify updates and improves the app, your experience will likely become smoother.
Source: How-to-geek
