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The way people listen to music is changing every decade. From phonographs and gramophones to cassettes and CDs, music has always been an important part of global culture. Today, everyone has smartphones with internet connection, ready to stream both video and audio.  

Still, the internet isn’t just used to play music. It has also brought about new music trends that can only grow further from here. 

Livestreams on Social Media 

Long gone are the days when people waited for their favorite artist’s latest album to drop and concert tours to be booked. That excitement is now replaced with logging in and looking for the artist’s live stream on social media. 

Social media has become the place where artists can directly connect with their listeners in real time. This connection feels more personal since people can chat with their favorite musician. Additionally, live streams work well as a live concert replacement during the pandemic. 

Indie Artists Are Taking Over

Social media can be an instant path to becoming famous. Indie artists post online and are patiently waiting for that one song to go viral among their followers. They know the power of social media and can be very creative in reaching out to the masses. 

However, the indie music industry is highly competitive. Still, some artists know how to cater to their audiences and provide a fresh, unique sound. On the other hand, this makes their listeners feel highly involved with the artist’s growth, and many are happy to see them become successful. 

Algorithm-Based Recommendations 

When people use various apps, those apps collect user information and store it. Later on, this information is used to recommend similar content. The same goes for videos and music. Almost every app people use for streaming will suggest similar content to keep them engaged for longer. 

Besides keeping you using the app, these recommendations are beneficial to the artists. They have a greater chance to be seen while you enjoy the content. There’s no need to pay for the ads—the platform does it all automatically. 

New Revenue Streams for Musicians 

Only a decade ago, musicians made money mainly through selling records and concert tickets. Revenue streams have changed since then. YouTube is the best example, where artists can create a donation button or a YouTube channel subscription.

The same goes for live Twitch streams and subscriptions. Additionally, those who are more successful can sell merchandise and accept sponsorships from brands. 

Summary 

Regardless of the decade, music will always find its way to people’s hearts. Luckily for music lovers, listening to music is easier than ever. All it takes is one smartphone and a stable internet connection. 

When it comes to the latest trends, more musicians will likely join the live streaming sessions and utilize the power of social media platforms to connect with their audience directly. On the other hand, listeners will enjoy recommended content and find new artists they’ll love. 

Since you’re here …

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