YouTube’s 2018 New Music Blues: Official Videos
Contents
As we move into 2018, it’s time to take a look at some of the music that’s been released so far. There’s a lot to choose from, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the best official music videos that have come out so far.
Introduction
YouTube has come under fire this year for a number of reasons, including the way it handles music videos. In particular, the site has been accused of giving preference to official music videos over user-generated content, something that has led to a decline in views for many independent artists.
The issue came to a head in September when YouTube implemented a new algorithm that caused a massive drop in views for a number of independent music channels. The algorithm change was made in an effort to crack down on “fake views” – views that were generated by bots or click farms. However, the change had unintended consequences, and many legitimate channels found themselves losing a significant amount of traffic.
YouTube has since reverted the algorithm change, but the damage has been done. Independent artists have seen their view counts drop dramatically, and some have even decided to leave the platform altogether.
If you’re an independent artist who is considering uploading your music to YouTube, be aware that you may not get the same level of exposure as you would have in the past. You may want to consider other platforms such as VEVO or Bandcamp, which are more supportive of independent artists.
The Problem with Official Videos
In the age of the internet, musicians are expected to have an online presence. This means having music videos for their songs. Unfortunately, YouTube’s algorithm has been favoring official videos over user-generated content, and this has had a negative effect on many artists.
They’re Boring
In the past, official music videos were the best way to get your new music fix. But in recent years, YouTube has become increasingly populated with low-quality, uninspired official videos. In fact, many of today’s biggest hits are little more than bland performance footage or cheaply-produced lyric videos.
This is a huge problem for music fans, who are now missing out on the excitement and creativity that used to be synonymous with official videos. And it’s not just YouTube users who are affected – artists are also seeing their video views decline as a result of the poor quality of their official releases.
There are a few possible reasons for this decline in quality. First, the budgets for music videos have been slashed in recent years, leaving directors with less money to work with. Second, the rise of social media has made it easier for artists to promote their music without having to invest in costly video production. And finally, record labels seem to be more focused on making quick cash from streaming services than on supporting artist development or promoting creativity.
The solution? More independent and DIY music videos! We need more artists taking matters into their own hands and making videos that are truly representative of their creative vision. Only then will we see a return to the golden age of the music video.
They’re Not Creative
There’s no denying that official music videos can be impressive — big budgets, famous directors, and huge production values can result in some stunning visuals. Unfortunately, too often these videos rely on lazy storytelling and cliched images to get their point across, resulting in a snoozefest of a video that does nothing to enhance the song it’s supposed to be promoting.
They Don’t Engage the Fanbase
As much as we love watching official music videos, there’s no denying that they can often be pretty underwhelming. More often than not, they lack the creativity and passion of fan-made videos, and they just feel like a lazy way for artists to promote their music.
Of course, not all official videos are bad. There are some that are genuinely great and engage with the fanbases in interesting ways. But for the most part, theyjust don’t measure up.
What do you think? Are official music videos a problem?
The Solution: User-Generated Content
It’s More Engaging
When it comes to music, people want to see performers they can relate to and feel like they know. This is why user-generated content (UGC) is so important — it gives viewers a more personal look at an artist and helps them feel like they’re part of something larger.
Official videos from record labels provide a sanitized, controlled look at an artist that doesn’t always reflect reality. UGC, on the other hand, is raw and real. It’s often more engaging because it feels like you’re getting an inside look at an artist’s life.
It’s More Creative
User-generated content is a broad term that can apply to any form of media created by users of a platform, rather than by professional producers hired by the company. This can include everything from comments and reviews to videos and entire websites.
The benefits of user-generated content are numerous, but one of the most significant is that it is generally more creative and original than professionally produced content. This is because users are not constrained by corporate guidelines or mandated messages, and they are free to produce whatever they feel is interesting or important.
This can lead to a more diverse range of content, which can be a boon for platforms looking to attract new users. In addition, user-generated content is often more relatable and authentic than professional content, as it provides a glimpse into the real lives of everyday people rather than carefully curated images designed to sell a product.
Finally, user-generated content is often cheaper to produce than professional content, as companies do not have to pay for production costs or licensing fees. This can allow platforms to save money while still offering a wealth of engaging and original content to their users.
It’s More Authentic
User-generated content is a great way to show off your brand while also giving your audience a say in what they see. It’s more authentic and relatable, and it can be a great way to connect with customers on a deeper level.
Plus, UGC is often more cost-effective than traditional marketing, meaning you can stretch your budget further. In fact, according to one study, UGC is 50% more memorable than other types of marketing content.
With all that in mind, it’s no wonder that 78% of marketers say UGC will become increasingly important in the next 12 months. If you’re not already using UGC as part of your marketing strategy, now is the time to start. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Make it easy for customers to submit their content.
2. Provide guidelines for submission so that you can ensure the quality of the content you receive.
3. Be sure to give credit where it’s due, either by featuring the content on your website or social media channels or by sending the creator a gift card or other prize.
4. Regularly analyze the performance of your UGC campaigns so that you can fine-tune your approach over time.
Conclusion
Overall, YouTube’s 2018 New Music Blues: Official Videos was a fun and informative watch. While it didn’t necessarily offer any groundbreaking new information, it did provide a nice overview of the current state of the music industry and some of the changes that have been happening in recent years. Additionally, the commentary from both industry experts and YouTubers themselves was interesting and added another layer to the documentary.
