 Did you know that the user population of Facebook is nearly as large as the United States population? The world has gone social. We have always interacted on the base level of communication, but it’s gone from interpersonal to internet. This is why social networks such as YouTube, Tumblr and Instagram have changed the way people exchange ideas. Social media has also revolutionized the music industry as the pathway to stardom can begin with a following on Twitter or a viral video on YouTube.
Talented individuals used to spend days searching for singing auditions, and attending classes for proper vocal training, but that’s no longer necessary. The best example of social media creating stardom is Justin Bieber. In 2008, Bieber was signed to Island Records. Today, Forbes has named him the third most powerful celebrity in the world. Interestingly, Bieber was discovered through YouTube, which has become the new way for talent managers and record executives to find new talent. Stumbling upon the next big thing is only a click away. Biebers success seemed to be an anomaly, a fluke. Until, the world was introduced to Austin Mahone.
In 2010, Mahone and a friend began making YouTube videos. By January 2011, he started creating music videos and his following grew tremendously. Because of people like Bieber and Mahone, Billboard began a chart, ranking the top social media based music videos (The Billboard Social 50). Mahone landed spot #38 on the list in September 2011, and became the youngest person to ever make the list. Mahone is set to meet the career heights of Bieber, and he could even surpass him.
A singing career used to be tremendously difficult to attain. Truly talented individuals moved to big cities and strived to land singing auditions in New York. Fortunately, for the up and coming singers of today, constant vocal training isn’t necessary. Instead teens are opting for quick success funneled through the power of social media. What do you think of the new paths to fame?
