How MySpace Became Your Space for Music
We now hear about popular social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok taking over today’s world. These social media sites have become one of the most powerful tools used for news content, music, and overall a creative platform for self-expression through dance, short skits, and much more. However, these social media sites didn’t become popular on their own. It is important to highlight the year of 2003 as it marks the start of a social media era.
MySpace, a widely known social media platform, first launched in 2003 and opened the doors for these current social media sites to rise. Having this be a new platform for users, the excitement of being able to virtually communicate, play games, share music, and interact with others seemed like an exciting concept. MySpace also happened to be one of my very first recollections of my interaction with social media, which is why it strikes out to me knowing that it was the basis of what social platforms are today.
Aside from being able to socialize virtually with peers, MySpace was also a huge turning point for the music industry to merge with social media. Having the ability to add music to one’s MySpace profile or creating a playlist on the platform was a way to share and incorporate music virtually. Music on MySpace really shed light on rising artists. Stars like Colbie Caillat would initially launch their music on the platform in hopes of being discovered. She uploaded her first song, “Bubbly,” and became a major rising artist after her song blew up on MySpace.
Another prime example of how MySpace influenced music and social media is strongly reflected through TikTok. The platform allows users to use music in their background as they present a creative dance, skit, or task on screen. MySpace worked as the introductory social platform for musical exchange and popularity.
It is safe to say that MySpace was not only one of the first social media platforms to launch, but also played a major influence in the merging of music and social media. We can now see these features furthered on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and even Vine at its time. MySpace left its mark in social media history.
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