In case you missed the news, Myspace is making a comeback. Don’t make an appointment to get your eyes checked. You read that correctly. Myspace, the once dominant social media platform, has been gaining users. Within the last four months, 24 million people have signed up. This brings Myspace’s total users around 36 million. While that’s an encouraging sign, it may be too little too late. For the time being, however, there’s some buzz circulating around MySpace. This begs the question, should you jump on board?
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s briefly describe the ‘new’ Myspace. The site has had a major overhaul, in case you didn’t catch the launch earlier this year. It has a beautiful horizon layout that has a Pinterest-meets-Tumblr vibe with extra-large images, full screen video and being able to drag-and-drop content. Users can also create multimedia playlists and share them with friends on Facebook and Twitter Of course, because the site now has a focus around music, there’s music galore.
Signing up is a painless process and once you’re in, you have options to create a sharp looking Myspace page that contains a bio, images and link to your website. Done effectively, you can select images and multimedia that represents your brand. A nice and engaging way to contact with consumers.
The problem, thus far, is that brands really haven’t embraced Myspace, which is understandable since the company is attempting a comeback. Since the is site geared towards music, you would think that almost anyone in the industry would latch on. For example, publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard aren’t on Myspace, which is a shame. Obviously both magazines are involved with music, but the layout, large images and multimedia content could expand their market by connecting with fans through a new medium.
Even non-music brands could use Myspace. Have you seen the recent Gap campaign? It features the children of iconic musicians covering classic songs originally performed by their parents. Gap could have used Myspace to not only showcase the new clothing items and music videos, but they could have had the artists create playlists on their Myspace pages which relate specifically to the ads. It’s just a simple way to reach new consumers who may not have typically invested time into your brand. Again, another a wasted opportunity.
In short, there’s some potential with the new Myspace. While it will never top Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., it doesn’t have to. Myspace is just another social media outlet that allows people to express themselves in a different way. As of now, it’s perfect for people in the arts, since the images and music are appealing. However, it may have some uphill struggles before major brands jump on board. But, if done properly, Myspace could really help your brands cross into new territories, especially a younger crowd since 70% of its community is now 35 or younger.
If you’ve joined the new Myspace, how do you like it? And, would recommend brands to sign up?
Featured Image Credit: Flickr
