Music videos are a massively popular and successful part of online video culture. Which is clearly why everyone seems to want a piece of the action.
MySpace Music is now carrying music videos from all its partners – the big four major record labels and a host of independents. This is setting up a mighty bloodbath between MySpace and Vevo, the YouTube-backed music video-only site launching soon.
Music Video War
To say music videos are a popular part of the Web is an understatement. The chance to choose which videos to watch and when, rather than being beholden to MTV and other music channels, their playlists, and their “lifestyle” programming, is clearly appealing.
YouTube has realized music videos are such a big part of online video that it’s backing Vevo, the Hulu-for-music due to launch soon. There is also Muzu.tv, Vidzone on the PS3, and a number of other music video ventures in the mix.
MySpace Music Plus
has been a part of the social networking site for a couple of years but it really only became a big player last year when an overhaul saw backing by the major record labels and the streaming of full songs and even albums directly on the site.
But until now video hasn’t been a part of the equation.
According to CNET, MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta announced the news at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco earlier today.
MySpace Music Videos
A new MySpace Music video portal will contain thousands of music videos. Users will be able to browse by A-Z listings or follow recommendations from MySpace or their friends.
Importantly for MySpace the music videos will include links to Amazon and iTunes where users can buy the featured tracks. There will also be pre-roll, post-roll, and overlay ads on the music videos, ensuring this is a profitable venture for the site (and the labels).
Competition
This is very much the same model expected to be used on Vevo, but MySpace has got in there first. The competition between the two, alongside less well-known entities such as Vidzone and Muzu.tv, is likely to be healthy but I’m guessing there is enough room for all-comers in this sector of online video.
