LinkedIn is developing a Clubhouse-rival, beta testing to begin soon

LinkedIn is the latest technology firm to announce an audio-driven feature for content creators. Here is what it may look like.

A developer saw, thanks to Apple’s universal clipboard feature, that LinkedIn was copying content from the clipboard on the MacBook Pro. (Pixabay)

Even as Clubhouse grows in popularity, top technology firms are fast-moving with their equivalent. Already, Twitter is rolling out Spaces. Spotify, Facebook, and Mark Cuban-backed Fireside would join the fray soon. The latest in the series is LinkedIn, one of the top professional social networking platforms.

LinkedIn confirmed it was developing an audio-based networking feature. The company said the development came after many users sought more ways to communicate on the platform.

“We're seeing nearly 50% growth in conversations on LinkedIn reflected in stories, video shares, and posts on the platform,” Suzi Owens, a spokesperson for LinkedIn, told TechCrunch.

“We're doing some early tests to create a unique audio experience connected to your professional identity. And, we're looking at how we can bring audio to other parts of LinkedIn such as events and groups, to give our members even more ways to connect to their community,” she said.

LinkedIn added that the company would soon begin beta testing. It also shared a mock-up of what the feature might look like. Unsurprisingly, the interface seems identical to Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces. It has a focus on speakers at the top and a list of listeners at the bottom.

An overview of upcoming audio feature on LinkedIn (LinkedIn/TechCrunch)

An overview of upcoming audio feature on LinkedIn (LinkedIn/TechCrunch)

LinkedIn is already laying the groundwork for more engagement and conversation-driven content on its platform. Just yesterday, it introduced Creator Mode. The mode brings a few changes for content creators. For instance, members can add hashtags to their profile, such as #design or #mentorship, to amplify reach for their content and eventually grow their following on LinkedIn.

Also, the Profile background of Live broadcasters will now show their Live broadcast when they start streaming. The company said that it would help in increasing the visibility of users content.

What do you think of an audio-driven feature on LinkedIn? Do let us know.