Clubhouse begins rolling out beta version for Android

Clubhouse on Sunday announced that it will begin rolling out its beta version for Android.

Why it matters: Downloads for the app have plummeted as the pandemic begins to regress. Expanding the app to the second-largest operating system in the U.S. — and the largest globally — will help Clubhouse grow its audience.

Details: Until now, the app was only available via invitation to Apple iOS users. Starting Sunday, the app will be available to Android users in the U.S.

• The Android version will roll out to English-speaking markets in the days and weeks ahead, followed by other countries globally.
• Clubhouse will be continuing its invitation-only system for Android to help it roll-out product updates smoothly to a smaller group of people.

The big picture: The live, social audio craze exploded during pandemic-driven lockdowns, and it looks like it's here to stay.

• But Clubhouse is facing competition from new apps and tech companies like Twitter and Facebook that are building competitive products.
• Clubhouse recently raised a new funding round valuing the app at $4 billion.