User Generated Content (UGC): The Opportunity for the Music Industry

Latest Developments User Interaction User Collaboration Monetisation Copyright Role of DRM Right across the media landscape a new trend has emerged: user-generated content. New services have arrived that allow ordinary users to upload and share digital material such as pictures and videos using their PCs and mobile phones. Meanwhile, some novelists have begun using material supplied by their fans online as part of new work. Within the music industry, major labels have begun experimenting with new releases where fans can remix and upload songs and videos based on the artist's original work. Elsewhere, clubbers can take pictures of themselves and submit them online or using their mobile phones. This report reviews the latest developments in UGC across the entire media arena in order to understand the opportunity for music brands, record labels, artists and new entrants. There are three main business opportunities for music-based UGC. This report describes each one using examples and illustrates the possibilities for the future.