Musical.ly announced the start of a fund to support its users. The short-form music video and lip syncing app will invest up to $50 million into a Creator Fund over the next two years. The money will go toward a range of programs, from college scholarships to co-development deals to a “creator marketplace” where users can trade creative assets or instruction. Continue Reading
As Facebook assembled a sizable music team, the expectation was that the social network might apply that expertise to video content. The company does appear to be following that plan, with the addition of 1,000 free audio tracks to the Facebook Sound Collection that can be used as background for videos. Continue Reading
Quincy Jones is helping to create a new digital hub for jazz enthusiasts. Qwest TV is an online library for video content across the genre. The subscription site is slated to go live on December 15. Continue Reading
Public media video app VuHaus has added another Chicago station to its roster of affiliates. Vocalo Radio 91.1 is an urban alternative station with programming in hip-hop, R&B, dance, and DJ culture. It is a sister station to Chicago public media station WBEZ 91.5, and is the inaugural Chicago source to join VuHaus. Continue Reading
Apple’s plans for a major video push continue with the announcement of a new scripted TV show that expands the company’s connections with A-list Hollywood talent. In addition to the reboot of Amazing Stories announced last month, Apple has made a two-season straight-to-series order for a scripted drama centered around a network morning show. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon star in the new project, which is still untitled at this stage. Continue Reading
Spotify’s approach to video appears to be in a state of flux. Bloomberg reported that Spotify has cancelled its original video series. Unnamed sources told the publication that the strategy reboot is part of an effort to find a monetization strategy that doesn’t involve recorded music and royalty payments. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: A difficult road for Apple’s video plans. Behind the scenes at Sonos. Take your Spotify listening to the Upside Down. Continue Reading
Apple had said it would be pumping $1 billion into video over the next year, and its latest programming development could explain that high price tag. The company has reportedly inked a deal to revive Amazing Stories, the mid-1980s show from Steven Spielberg. Continue Reading
Facebook introduced its new internal video platform, Watch, in August, and music brands are already hopping on the bandwagon. iHeartRadio is one of the early adopters, and has launched a show called “iHeartNow with Elvis Duran.” Duran is a DJ on iHeartRadio and will host interviews with musicians and celebrities. The show will have new episodes every afternoon. Continue Reading
Facebook has reportedly offered the major record labels and publishers “hundreds of millions of dollars” for its members to have the legal use of music in videos uploaded to its platforms. Bloomberg reported that this offer to the industry coincides with the debut of Facebook’s new Watch hub for video content. Continue Reading
Apple is still gunning for a big move into video, according to the latest industry buzz. The Wall Street Journal (paywall) reported that the company plans to invest about $1 billion in its video plans over the next year. A source told WSJ that the money could translate into up to 10 new programs. Continue Reading
For the past several months, we’ve been reporting on the wave of musical hires at Facebook. The social network has mobilized an in-house team, including licensing and business development professionals. Now, we might be seeing where those experts will be focusing their efforts. Continue Reading