Every new social app creates space for different content and different business models.
Social audio app Clubhouse — which just raised funds at a $4B valuation mere months after notching a $1B price tag — has become a blank canvas for new ways to monetize live audio.
Among the most interesting experiments on the platform is “NYU Girls Roasting Tech Guys,” which The Washington Post describes as a combo of an interactive comedy show, dating game, and podcast.
Founded by a group of New York University (NYU) grads…
… this Clubhouse room re-creates the atmosphere of a bar. Attendees get the opportunity to spit some game at potential dates (AKA “shoot your shot”).
The live nature of the room can lead to viral unscripted moments and attracts upward of 10k unique Clubhouse users a night.
The Hustle recently spoke to 2 of the show’s co-hosts — Devin Lewtan and Sarah Jannetti — to find out what’s next for NYU Girls:
- Business model
NYU Girls utilizes the tipping feature from Clubhouse and also runs a chat channel on Spore where listeners can interact with each other (and also tip the hosts).
Separately, a number of brands have sponsored the show, targeting its younger audience: Recess (a CBD-infused sparkling water), Starface (skin care). - Growing outside of Clubhouse
The show’s content strategy falls into 2 buckets: 1) live (Clubhouse now, but more in-person events in the future); and 2) asynchronous (potentially taking dating storylines and repackaging them into podcasts or a digital TV show). More broadly, NYU Girls is exploring audio apps outside of just Clubhouse to find the best fit. - Long-term vision
Lewtan, Jannetti, and the other founders are working on NYU Girls part time. They’ve been approached by investors but don’t want to take money without a clear road map.
As an inspiration, the pair mention Bethenny Frankel. The one-time reality star (The Apprentice) parlayed her media success into a $100m+ lifestyle consumer brand (Skinnygirl).
In the meantime, you can get roasted yourself every Tuesday and Thursday at 10pm ET.
