LinkedIn to add Clubhouse-style audio events this month

LinkedIn is about to launch a Clubhouse-style live audio room feature, releasing the audio version first this month.

LinkedIn will soon launch a Clubhouse-style live audio room feature which the company has been working on for a while. 

The company will announce an audio-only version this month in beta. The video version of the product will launch in spring this year. 

The platform is trying to get more users to sign up to their network by launching a new events platform, which will include a listing, hosting, marketing interactive live virtual events, the company told TechCrunch.

Jake Poses, the product manager said in an interview, "We want to make it easier to host virtual round tables, fireside chats, and more. Some may want the event to be more formal, or less formal. Some might want to communicate with their audience, to open up to the floor. We’re giving professionals interactivity and support.”

In the last year, LinkedIn has been experimenting with features that they might add to the event like a paid ticketing option. As of now, however, the free version is being launched soon. The event platform will include essential tools which will allow interactive content end-to-end and no use of any third-party software. Just like any other video conferencing application, hosts can record and run the event from LinkedIn, allowing both hosts and attendees to communicate and discuss effectively during and after the event.

These event platforms will be used to build content at career development, professional topics and other ideas related to LinkedIn. The website aims to create a more active Creator Community granting creators access to LinkedIn Live. The Creator Community, according to Poses is 1.5 million. He hopes that the idea will help those who need or want to be able to integrate third-party apps and software in the production.

LinkedIn's anual virtual event creation has grown over 150% in the last year and a 231% increase in attendees of virtual events. 

Talking about interactive events being the future, Poses said, "As long as I could remember, I have gone to talks and meetups. These are the mainstays of how professionals communicate and learn things. But they require money, time to travel, courage to go into a room and speak, and space to run an event. Our belief is that moving from in person to virtual is actually democratizing and opening up access to many more people.”