Video streaming platform Twitch.tv announced they will be adding music to their repertoire of services, introducing the Twitch Music Library and the beta Music category. Twitch is largely popular among the gaming community for live streaming gameplay. Recently acquired by Amazon in September 2014, the initial launch into music services primarily focuses on electronic dance music. In a statement by Twitch officials, the company says it intends to add all genres of music into the mix.
The Twitch Music Library is comprised of over 500 royalty-free tracks that are available for Twitch users to utilize in their live streams and VODs (past broadcasts and highlights, for all the noobs out there). The tunes are provided by a number of EDM record labels, including Mad Decent and OWSLA. They can only be used on Twitch exclusively, so users may face copyright issues if they export their content and upload it on another platform.
The beta Music category allows artists to broadcast live performances of original music. This past summer, Steve Aoki partnered with Twitch to live stream his Aoki’s Playhouse performance from Ibiza. The Dim Mak head honcho drew more than 400,000 viewers on the site. If you’re a bedroom producer, you can also use this function to stream yourself creating music live. Or if you’re a singer, you can perform original music in front of an online audience. It’s important to stress that only original music is allowed on Twitch, due to copyright violations.
They will also feature radio-style music shows from approved labels. You can now check out Monstercat’s 24-hour music channel, Monstercat FM, to get a feel for what you can expect from Twitch in the future.
Whether you consider yourself more of a gamer or a raver, we think Twitch’s move into music is definitely something to look out for. With Twitch centering its focus on EDM, it’s interesting to see the bridge between the dance music industry and the gaming community begin to connect. What are your thoughts on Twitch adding music services? Let us know down below, on our Facebook page, or shoot us a Tweet!
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