Google has announced that it will begin blocking independent music labels “in a matter of days” if they do not comply with YouTube’s newest music subscription service, which will force users to pay to watch or listen to music or videos.
YouTube will unveil two different streaming services for users. One will be completely privatized and will require an annual or monthly fee. A positive note is that you won’t have to sit through irrelevant ads at the beginning of your videos. You can also download the music or videos straight to your mobile device for your listening pleasure.
The other option is very similar to what YouTube offers now. Users will still see ads and be able to listen to most music, but the only difference is that indie labels will be blocked from the platform if they do not agree to YouTube’s new terms and conditions. Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s head of content and business operations, confirmed that the site will plan to block videos from any artists or labels who do not agree to its paid service. He said this to, “ensure that all content on the platform is governed by its new contractual terms.” The hardball company is threatening to block (major) independent labels such as XL Recordings, 4AD, Domino and the smaller ones that we listen to on a regular basis, such as Mad Decent, Straight Up, and Big Beat.
YouTube’s platform services might be ok, except for the fact that most big names we listen to today are signed to independent labels. The next time you listen to your favorite artists, such as Skrillex, Flux Pavillion, Major Lazer, or MIA, to name a few, you may not be able to access them from YouTube.
YouTube is allowed to play hardball because it is one of the most used websites on the internet, and it is prime in discovering new music talent. Restricting independent labels and independent people will put a huge damper on the discovery of new artists and new songs. It seems that YouTube is trying to rake in the money, but with a business tactic like this, it is going to be a struggle for them to remain on top, considering there are alternatives such as Vimeo.
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