Leher: A Clubhouse Alternative Made in India
The world of audio-only chat apps exploded with the launch of Clubhouse, attracting a global audience captivated by its unique format of live, intimate conversations. But in the bustling tech scene of India, a platform was quietly brewing – Leher. This homegrown app emerged in 2018, offering a similar experience but with a twist: it embraces the visual, allowing users to share their thoughts and engage in discussions through live videos. While Clubhouse dominated with its exclusivity and invite-only model, Leher embraced accessibility, readily available on both Android and iOS devices without any invite requirements.
The recent surge in popularity of Clubhouse, fueled by the participation of prominent figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, has undoubtedly shined a spotlight on Leher. Indian entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, eager to support local alternatives, have increasingly voiced their support for the app. Leher boasts a predominantly Indian user base, creating an unique space for discussions centered around topics relevant to the country’s diverse culture and economy. The platform has garnered over 100,000 downloads on Google Play, boasting a respectable 4.3-star average rating, indicating its appeal to a growing Indian audience.
Navigating the World of Leher
Joining the Leher community is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
1. Download the App: Head to the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS) and download the Leher app.
2. Sign Up: Unlike Clubhouse, there’s no need for an invite. You can seamlessly sign up using your existing Google or Facebook account, or simply use your phone number. Signing in with Google requires a verification link, while using your phone number involves entering a six-digit OTP. iPhone users can also leverage the "Sign in With Apple" option.
3. Profile Creation: After logging in, you’ll be directed to your profile settings. Leher will ask you to provide your first and last name, along with a username you’d like to use on the platform.
4. Bio and Interests: Next, you’ll be prompted to enter a brief bio and indicate your professional background (if applicable), including your designation and company. Then, choose your interests to help the app personalize your Leher experience.
Engaging with Leher: Discussions and Beyond
Once your profile is set, the world of Leher awaits! Explore live discussions, browse through past recordings, or connect with professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and marketers contributing their knowledge and insights. You can follow individuals, ask questions, and even send private messages. Other users can also reach out to you with queries or messages, accessible through your profile. The app also allows you to invite friends from your contacts, bringing them on board to join the community.
Key Features to Enhance your Leher Experience:
- Follow Users: Discover thought leaders and experts in your niche by following their profiles. Stay updated on their latest discussions and insights.
- Ask Questions: Engage with creators and presenters by asking questions directly during discussions.
- Direct Messages: Connect with fellow users on a more personal level through private messaging.
- Invite Friends: Spread the word about Leher by inviting contacts from your phone to join the platform.
- Share Discussions: Amplify interesting conversations by sharing them across social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Leher’s home screen provides a curated feed of happenings:
- Upcoming Discussions: Discover upcoming live discussions, their topics, and the number of participants scheduled to join.
- Share with Network: Share intriguing discussions with your connections through various social media platforms.
Taking Center Stage: Starting your Own Discussion
Leher empowers you to become a creator, hosting your own discussions.
- Tap the "+" Icon: Locate the plus icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Topic & Tags: Write a clear and captivating topic for your discussion. Add relevant tags to broaden its reach and attract a targeted audience.
- Media Integration: Enhance your discussion with visual aids by adding photos or links to related resources.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Schedule your discussion in advance to accommodate your and your audience’s schedules.
- Inviting Participants: Proactively invite individuals you think would contribute valuably to your discussion.
Leher offers the flexibility to choose the format of your discussions:
- Video Format: Engage your audience with a visual connection, highlighting your presence and creating a more interactive experience.
- Audio-only Mode: Embrace the intimate and focused nature of audio-only conversations, similar to the Clubhouse format.
Leher Embraces the Power of Community:
The platform has recently introduced virtual clubs, allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals based on shared interests. Join existing clubs, or take the initiative to establish your own community for individuals interested in topics like guitar playing, fitness, content creation, or entrepreneurship.
Leher’s dedication to connecting individuals through shared passions and insightful discussions makes it a promising contender in the world of social audio and video.
Beyond the App: A Look into Leher’s Future
The success of Leher is rooted in its localization strategy. By catering to a primarily Indian audience and offering a platform for discussions relevant to the country’s unique context, it has garnered a loyal following.
However, the app still faces challenges:
- Scaling its reach: Expanding beyond India and attracting a wider global audience will be critical for Leher’s long-term success.
- Monetization Model: Developing a sustainable monetization strategy that doesn’t compromise the user experience is vital.
- Competitive Landscape: Leher will need to continuously innovate and refine its features to stay ahead in the dynamic and competitive social media landscape.
Leher has proven its potential to become a significant player in the social media arena. With its focus on building a vibrant community focused on Indian voices, and its commitment to providing an accessible and engaging platform, Leher is poised to continue gaining traction in the coming months and years.
