Instagram On The Web

Instagram has single handedly dominated mobile devices with its easy to use platform and social capabilities for entertainment. Since Facebook's acquisition of Instagram, things basically remained the same until now. Instagram has now provided regular web capabilities for Instagram so users can now access and share photos from any device with Internet, but why is this important?

When Facebook purchased Instagram for one billion dollars, Instagram was not monetized and has not been monetized to date. There were limited options for monetization that would not hinder the current user experience. Placing advertisements on the mobile platform would surely destroy the current user experience on mobile devices, but not so much on a web platform. This is why I believe that the main purpose for Instagram gravitating to the web is to begin placing advertisements in that space instead. Although the web platform and interface is currently advertisement free, I suspect that prolonged use and likability for the new option will precede any placements.

In order for users and the public to be more accepting to advertisements on Instagram, unique ideas and promotions will have to be used to ease the transition. History has proven that creative ads and initiatives are usually accepted more than bland conventional methods. This may also be another opportunity for an additional integration with Facebook. Public criticism was very high when it came to the merger and Instagram claims a high demand for web presence so any changes on the micro or macro level will become news.

At the end of the day, users simply want convenient access to Instagram from any device or location. Facebook has been notorious for making sudden and significant changes without warning with the exception of the most recent timeline addition to their platform. These past actions will always have users uneasy towards any thought towards significant changes.

Alicia Keys: Story Telling App

R&B superstar Alicia Keys has transcended entertainment with her new interactive story telling apps for her younger fans. With great anticipation speculating for the new Alicia Keys album, opportunity for a mobile outreach to fans in ingenious. Not many music superstars cater to their younger fans, but this app has done them justice. Stories in this app basically help to foster growth and empowerment. The stories are derived from experiences learn and incorporated with the grandmother of Alicia Keys and their close relationship.  Along with stories and exclusive songs from Alicia Keys, the app also contains a playable piano. 

During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Alicia Keys was asked if the app took away from her music, she said that it actually enhances her music. From a business stand point; this app and its well-timed distributed does more than enhance the music of Alicia Keys. Sales from the app can even be incorporated into album sales projects. The demographic for the app include children from the ages of 6-12, and parents have to purchase the app for the children. I'm sure the listening demographic for an Alicia Keys album has a wide range due to the soulful content of her music that appeals to many audiences. The combination of this app and new album create a marketing strategy that keeps Alicia Keys on the tip of everyone's tongue.

When it comes to interaction, this app is almost in the category of social gaming. Users have many options through the entire app experience. The graphic presentation and story quality surpasses many competitor apps and the app pricing of $3.99 is very reasonable. I anticipate this initiative becoming a trend for more entertainment avenues in and outside of the music industry. Communication is at its highest point in society and building buzz and anticipation for any initiative can be very vital to achieving success.

iTunes Festival

In the wars for providing and distributing entertainment, iTunes has reached its new plateau, with the recent release of their newest App and feature called iTunes Festival. Although iTunes has made their festival an annual event over the years, they have finally provided access to the masses with their new iTunes Festival App.

I found it extremely convenient to schedule the events I wanted to watch via iPhone on my calendar. As the world learned from the online streaming of the 2012 London Olympics, access and availability for content is key. iTunes Festival performances can be viewed on all apple platforms including the iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.

I was really impressed with the Apple TV integration. As an avid Apple TV user, it was extremely pleasing and convenient to find the iTunes Festival icon for my viewing pleasure. I am excited to see more live concert distribution through channels like this.

The App integration is very user friendly. Not only do you have the ability to watch a live show, but you can now also watch previous performances. As you can see on the right, I have taken a few screen shots from my iPhone to show the simplicity and easy use. I am also happy with the news option. There are often large amounts of press and media associated with music festivals and Apple has made that news available as well.

I see more social media integration in the future of this App. There isn't any current social media integration in regards to sharing the information provided about performances. For the year 2012, social media is important for almost every marketable event. Users should have the ability to alert friends and comment in real time about the iTunes Festival. Although this app isn't flawless, I anticipated bigger and better from Apple next year.

Mobile Entertainment Growth

Mobile devices have swarmed and consumed the market leading to the massive use of platforms that can provide mobile entertainment. Smart phones and tablets continue to evolve and apps are constantly being created to please and entertain the masses. A big leap of progress in mobile entertainment has been made for the WWE with their new app.

As technology continues to grow, I expect more entertainment entities taking strides into reaching their patrons more directly than the ways of the past. These new resources are becoming more accessible to people every day. It has been said that mobile entertainment has grown 82% from 2010-2011. Smart phones are the standard and tablet use continues to increase.

Even the 2012 Olympics reached new grounds with ratings thanks to the online and mobile presence. It was the most viewed in Olympic history. People had more access and control to the games than ever before. Viewers had the ability to pick and choose the events they wanted to see. I especially like the feature that allowed me to watch two events at once. There is a promising future for advertising through these new directions of mobile entertainment. Both advertisers and viewers can be satisfied with a happy medium of entertainment and Ads. 

I look forward to the day when more avenues are created with direct access to content that allow the consumer to be provided with more options. As mobile devices continue to improve, this process will continue to expand. The sport that I would like to see incorporate these new practices would have to be tennis. Wimbledon and the French & U.S. Opens are due for a major distribution overhaul and their rating may benefit from a change that goes with this mobile entertainment revolution. As an avid user of mobile devices, I am thrilled with the convenience that is to come.

PlayPro Media Hits Orlando, FL

With the resources provided all across the Internet and mobile devices, many are striving to be the next star. Times have changed in the music business and new models are prevailing in efforts to nurture and create avenues for aspiring talent. PlayPro Media is a great example of such efforts. PlayPro Media provides free music, the ability to learn the music business, and get discovered. "We help talented artist focus on careers, connect to the industry, and build a vibrant fan base. Through our footprint, PlayPro provides access to students at dozens of the nations finest schools, allowing bands to reach fans on a daily basis". Building that initial following is always an issue for new talent. This platform will be a tremendous aid to that cause. Their talent expo will provide newcomers to the entertainment industry with the opportunity to get their entire package polished and ready for the professional atmosphere. 

The brainchild of this program is the renowned Brad Todd. His years of hard work and dedication in the music industry has led to this educational and entertaining project that creates opportunities for students and aspiring entertainers. After gaining success in Atlanta, Georgia, PlayPro is now ready to launch its presence in the Orlando, Florida area.

PlayPro's first Talent Expo was held in November 2011 in Georgia. Ten acts competed to win over the crowd and the winner was a young rapper that goes by the name Elgin Nation. Statistics for this entire event process include over 130,000 page views of media for the entire campaign and 93,000 voting "likes" for the ten participating artists.

The city of Orlando, Florida is in for great opportunities as long as companies such as PlayPro Media continue to expand their horizons. The world is constantly waiting for the next great source of entertainment and there is a lot of undiscovered talent that has yet to be found.

Evolution of Radio Shows: The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1

New things are generating every moment thanks to the access, convenience, and affordability of technology. This lethal combination has led to major breakthroughs in various areas of entertainment. One entity that has been taking advantage of technology and content is a vibrant New York radio station, Power 105.1 fm. Over the past couple of years, Power 105.1 has created one of the most controversial and entertaining morning shows called "The Breakfast Club". This morning show, which is comprised of three dynamic individuals, has changed the game for all conventional radio content. Much of their success can be accounted for due to the "no-holds-barred" rivalry with direct competitor rival radio station Hot 97. Power 105.1 has content that includes exclusive video recorded celebrity interviews, webisodes, and other themed productions the pack their week with content that was once only available on premium television.

Although Howard Stern can arguably be the pioneer of controversial radio content, Power 105.1 has integrated new concepts and availability on their website that is equivalent to million dollars television shows. Their progress is very exciting to watch as it develops even further and continues to grow addition revenue streams. I predict that their Ad revenues will increase exponentially over the next six months due to their frequent and entertaining celebrity interview video postings. I also anticipate seeing more youtube integration to further increase revenue streams. 

Aggressive digital marketing will be the key to pushing this morning show to new heights and expanded demographics.  Authentic content is what the market of content has grown to in our society given the up-rise of social media and world knowledge being expanded via the Internet. This is why the more "Politically Correct" or less abrasive based content is overlooked and dismissed. The world has a new standard of content and The Breakfast club is meeting that new standard and demand.

Website Protection In Entertainment

Media based websites are open fields to legal liabilities and other various legal issues. Not only are there concerns towards appropriate licensing, but there are also concerns that deal with site traffic and dynamics. This is why it is vital to keep up to date with laws and regulations that can affect the immediate function and use of your website. After reviewing two entertainment law podcasts, the importance of keeping up to date on what is going on in the world of entertainment has increased for me exponentially.

A few heavy topics have been discussed and reviewed on www.entertainmentlawupdate.com that I find to be very informative. Keeping track of intellectual properties is always handy. Especially if it can affect any media the may be included on your site. The current dispute of copyright termination for the Superman Intellectual Property from Warner Bros. by MarcToberoff is an excellent example.

There has been an ongoing war over the Superman franchise for some time now. Warner Bros. even has a release scheduled for a new superman movie by Christopher Nolan, proclaimed savior of the Batman story with his latest titled “Dark Knight Rises”. The legal factors of this case bounce around, but staying on top of litigations that can affect the content on your website can be beneficial.

Many sites also have parody-like commercials that may be liable to legal concerns. In the case of Kim Kardashian v. The Gap, the Old Navy commercial with an alleged Kim Kardashian look-a-like led to a $20 million lawsuit back in 2011. It is claimed that the commercial has “created confusion in the marketplace and violated her rights to her name and likeness”. Similar issue like this may easily occur on your media based website if you are not careful.

Having an open eye to the world of entertainment law can come in handy and save you some headaches down the line. Always be sure to take that extra precaution that will keep you out of litigation or the unpredictable fate of the media.