Last week Google launched the Music Onebox — a special new search result that lets users stream songs in their entirety for free. The feature is being powered through partnerships with MySpace and Lala, who are providing the song streams, with contributions from a host of other partners like Pandora and imeem. Millions of people will doubtless stumble across the new feature on their own as they run searches for their favorite bands, but Google also has a few tricks up its sleeve to get the word out. We’re hearing that a number of well known artists will soon be actively promoting the service, offering exclusive content to fans who Google them.
We’ve heard that artists will be offering songs that can only be found through Google search, some of which will be given away for free. Over 20 artists are involved. Beyond that details are still scant, but we hear that the new promotion will start running soon — perhaps later this week.
Interesting that Google has eschewed their original method of just building something amazingly functional and have now resorted to celebrity endorsements for their new products.
I don’t think they’re “resorting”necessarily. They can afford it, and I don’t think they’re favoring endorsements above functionality.
its not even “music search” because its not a vertical search engine, its an over hyped affiliate link program. Myspace and lala paid to have their streams at the top of page 1 for song search results. theres nothing more to this.
Seems like enough of a winner for the artists – they get potentially greater exposure for their music, ultimately seeing revenue either via direct music sales (mp3 sales) or licensing for streaming.
From the Google perspective, once a user follows the search results link to iLike, Pandora, MySpace, imeem, etc., why would they rely on Google searches to get to the audio streams again? Why not go direct to those sites in the future?
If that’s a valid question, then it seems Google at most gets a burst of revenue as people try the audio stream links (assuming they get a clickthrough fee), which then tapers off over time.
What’s the long-term for Google on this one?
Google must explore potential new revenue earnings Startupwizz, they can not totally rely on their Search & Adverting Platform.
Google’s entry into the online Music Marketplace with Music Onebox – could grow into something big, or just another Google Search Tab.
Not too impressed with the title though.
Google Tunes or G-Tunes would have been more social and rock’n'roll.
I thought it’s a partnership with LaLa and iLike, but all the popop players I’ve seen so far are from LaLa, nothing from iLike. Is iLike still not integrated?
YouTube is clearly better. Long live piracy \m/
ZEPPELIN!
To be clear, I have no idea if Led Zeppelin is involved (in fact, I would be incredibly surprised if they are). I just think it’s a bad ass picture.
haha I was wondering how Led was involved in this.
yes a total bad ass photograph. considering the history (and drama) behind zep’s digital catalog that’s a big cruel tease to a music fan. without a photo credit.
b/c of the story behind the zeppelin catalog and the photo in this article, i did a simple google search and found this billboard article explaining that the zeppelin catalog is going digital. On nov. 13. big story! and big yay!
http://is.gd/4LEHV
go warner go!
We should know within a few weeks if Ali Partovi and Bill Nyguen’s assumptions that people will convert to purchasing based on their services ease of use now that they are at the top of Google’s search. I doubt if you will see the needle move and if not, what will they say? Can’t blame it on the labels or anyone else.
I was just going to ask about the legitimacy of the Zeppelin photo. Ramble On!
I probably would have gone with a picture of Dethklok in order to avoid such confusion.
uh…. guess what
http://is.gd/4LEHV
Wow, google will totally buy Myspace and finally beat facebook!
shame on you for not using a photo credit.
Maybe Google will have a site like facebook some day, best wish.
this has the potential to get out of hand very quickly if they start catering to the most popular artists.
one of the best developments of the last decade has been the exposing of The Long Tail material. In general, Google has not played favorites and every artist has been on even keel. Let’s hope they don’t shift away
remember: there’s just as much money to be made in tail as with the big hits!
Wanna bet?
first off, the return on “in tail” artists takes 5-10 years.
second: google music has not made overtures to indie distributors which means it’s very likely the 20 artists in this launch will not be indie, even if they seem indie, it will be very likely that they have major label distribution on all fronts (digital & physical). why do you think google (just like iTunes did) is putting indies aside until they first cater to majors? see above.
oops i meant to reply to adam w, not to Tom. clicked wrong “reply” button.
It seems to be only available in the US, isn’t it? (at least not in Germany)
What is this, a new google web radio? or a new channel for advertising? hmm..
Its sad to hear that few artists will be releasing songs only on Google.
Pretty crazy. Sounds like a new channel for advertising to me. Will this skew search results?
Great story, I agree with you. Thank for sharing.