Google is definitely feeling music lately. In addition to the launch of the new YouTube music platform, Google is launching a service called “Magnifier.” Magnifier is a place where Google Music (Beta) users can find new artists, check out interviews and live performances, and get free songs. The site also serves as a marketing opportunity for musicians.
Magnifying Your Music
Anyone who’s part of the Google Music beta will be able to access all the content and free music provided by Magnifier (those who aren’t part of the beta can request an invite). Thus far, Magnifier is being used to showcase a specific artist each week. Additional featurettes are provided by musicians and others in the music industry. Much of the content on the site is centered around media, ranging from video interviews to live music recordings to free songs to exclusive tracks for Google Music users.
Google Music is a cloud-based music service that lets you store all your music online and access it from anywhere, but it’s still in the early phases of release. Exactly how Google will monetize the system in the future is unclear, but a direct promotional outlet such as Magnifier shows that Google is willing to experiment with ideas that go beyond just text ads. After all, in a music service, there’s little chance for visual ad exposure. Further, Music may see integration with Google+ once both programs are out of their invitation-only phases.
[Sources include: The Official Google Blog]
