Audio formats Despite Corona, we and many other SciCommers don’t want to miss out on networking and exchange. Live audio formats are currently booming. Especially Clubhouse stands out. But theres not only Clubhouse. In our overview you can find out which other providers there are.
Clubhouse is currently one of the most prominent audio formats. Hosts discuss their topics together with invited guests. We at grasshopper kreativ also use this platform and can say: We are thrilled every time we talk to others about SciComm. The people inspire us. However, Clubhouse announced that their app is time-limited. Another shortcoming: Android users can’t even participate in the discussions or simply listen because the app is only iOS compatible.
Reason enough to introduce other live audio formats. In addition to Clubhouse, Twitterspaces, Stereo, Dive and Discord are listed in the overview. We briefly describe their characteristics and to what extent the format is useful for SciCommer. The time exposure of each format depends on the length of the discussion and whether you host a room yourself or just listen in.
| Audio-Format | characteristics | how useful is it? |
| Clubhouse | – people can talk together in rooms or just listen to a conversation – invitation from alredy registerd user is needed – only for iOS | – news – to find out what the community is talking about – different opinions about one topic – very successful |
| Instagram Live | – first account can be added, for more a request is necessary – talk can be saved – for iOS and Android | – exchange – very successful |
| Twitterspaces | – Clubhouse-Clon: Audio-Chat – iOS and Android | – exchange – networking – not so successful, but it has potential |
| Stereo | – users can browse platform for conversations, talks are most often from experts and celebrities – listen, participate, or be called as a guest speaker | – not so well known in the SciComm scene |
| Dive | – german clubhouse – more data protection – only with invitation – iOS and Android | – not so well known in SciComm scene yet, but could have potential, because Clubhouse wants to dissolve at some point |
| Discord | – can also be used without download – exchange and send files in groups on different topics – invitation link is necessary – create own server – use on different devices | – appeals to diverse audience, but problems with far-right groups – less business oriented than Clubhouse – so far little about SiComm |
Do you know any other live audio formats or have you already tried out any from the list? Feel free to write us an e-mail or on twitter. We are happy about any inspiration.