January 21, 2013
Last week after much anticipation, the new and improved version of Myspace was rolled out to the general public. The launch coincided with the release of singer (and major Myspace investor) Justin Timberlake’s new single. Although the launch may have been overshadowed by Facebook’s announcement of graph search, the site still managed to generate a buzz.
First reviews of the new site aren’t unanimously positive. However, the general consensus is that the new Myspace looks good, functions well, and is a different, but improved, experience to its predecessor.
What is clear about the revamped version of the music sharing platform is that it seems to have learnt from its past mistakes and has looked to various social media platforms to improve. By mixing elements of Pinterest, Facebook and Spotify together the platform has developed into a cool, sleek and shiny music sharing experience. Here’s what Myspace has learnt from others:
Spotify and Pandora
Music streaming: The music-oriented Myspace allows users to stream music in an always present music player at the bottom of the page. Like other music streaming services it has added a Radio feature that lets you listen to stations based on a specific genre or artist. However more than these other services, Myspace is about discovering new people, artists, music, and other content. Additionally, what Myspace has which these services don’t is a vast catalogue of music and videos.
Pinterest and Instagram
Harnessing visual aspects: One of the most frequent compliments the social network is getting is the fact that it looks ‘pretty’. This is because it has clearly taken note from picture sharing platforms about how to utilize images. The most striking aspect of this is the spotlight image which is prominent to the page: it is similar to, but much larger than, Facebook’s cover image.
Simple layouts: Myspace users no longer have to copy and paste massive amounts of code in order to alter their background and page layouts. Although users can still customize their profile page to some extent, the changes made mainly involve photos instead of using code. The platform has learnt from Facebook that keeping profiles simple is important.
Connections: The new Myspace has a ‘connections’ system which is similar to Twitter’s follow system. The site encourages you to make connections with other users, which are supposed to connect artists with fans on a deeper and more direct level. There are verified accounts much like Twitter to curb fake accounts.
The new Myspace is sexy, cool and pretty to look at: it has become relevant once again. The question is can it remain relevant once the novelty of its newness has worn off?
© myspace. Logo.