Music analysis: Social media influence on the discovery of music
The way people discover new music has changed with the rise of social media, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.
Radio stations and television music channels once dominated the industry before social media emerged.
But today, a short-form viral video can introduce a song to millions of people within a short period of time worldwide.
Social media as a music platform
Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook have become key spaces where listeners discover new music every day just by scrolling online.
The days when a person had to actively search for songs are long gone; instead, social media users often come across music through influencer content, dance challenges and trending clips.
For younger audiences in particular, social media has become one of the primary ways to find new artists and songs.
A catchy chorus or lyric featured in a viral video can quickly launch a song into mainstream popularity.
For example, the French-language song ‘Pile’ by Mauvais Djo quickly turned into a dance challenge and caught the attention of audiences worldwide for its lyrics and high-energy rhythm.
MORE BY TABITHA KONGO: From music icons to beauty influencers: How Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez built global brand success
What to look for ahead
Social media has transformed how people discover and experience music, making digital platforms just as important as traditional industry channels.
Artists must now blend their creativity to support online presence, while listeners can discover new favourites simply by scrolling their feeds.
Social media will continue to act as a powerful force when it comes to music.
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