Since the early days of Napster, the music industry has been losing revenue and power to P2P file sharing services. The Financial Times estimates that the music industry loses about $750m each year to music piracy. So how do they minimize these losses? Entrepreneurs all over the world believe the key to reducing illegal music downloads is to make legal alternatives easier and more convenient for the consumer. This is where music streaming comes into play. Music streaming services allow the user to access millions of songs with minimal effort, often with no download client. These services are all legal and have been exploding in popularity. Industry reports indicate that music streaming is the fastest growing segment of the music industry, especially in emerging markets. Although it only accounts for $1.2bn of the $16.5bn, it indicates a shift in consumer behavior and provides a glimpse into the future of the music industry.

Getting into music streaming is extremely simple; there are plenty of services available all over the world. The question is: which is the best one? I will try to break down and analyze each of the major services and let you decide which one works for you!

Spotify

Music Catalog: 20+ million songs
Pricing:

• Free – access to the entire catalog but with audio ads occurring every once in awhile
• Unlimited [£4.99] – access to the entire music catalog, ad free
• Premium [£9.99] – access to the entire music catalog, ad free, and with access to music on all your mobile devices

Pros:
Spotify has one the best selection of music with a catalog of over 20 million songs, including the most recent popular tracks. The client allows users to install apps that add extra features such as synced lyrics or the ability to chat with other users while listening to music. Spotify seamlessly places the music you already own into the desktop client, so your existing iTunes collection will be available automatically. Spotify also features an activity tab on the side which informs users of what their friends are listening to at the moment.

Cons:
The Android app is very primitive and does not allow users to filter music by artist, songs, or albums. Instead, whatever has been synced will appear in that order on your mobile. Some people may see the desktop client as a burden since it’s software that must be installed. However, Spotify is currently beta testing a web client. The design of the client is more functional than aesthetic, so those who prefer a beautiful design might not enjoy Spotify’s design.

Rdio

Music Catalog: 18+ million songs
Pricing:

• Free – six months of free Rdio music on your browser, ad free. The amount of music you can stream is limited per month.
• Web [£4.99] – unlimited streaming of Rdio’s music library on your browser, ad free.
• Unlimited [£9.99] – unlimited streaming of Rdio’s music on your browser, mobile devices, and services like Roku and Sonos.

Pros:
Beautifully designed streaming service that is fully functional via a web browser. This especially helpful for user that can’t install software in the workplace. Desktop client is also available, but it’s optional. Android app is excellent and allows users to filter music by artists, albums, or songs. ‘Heavy Rotation’ feature allows for an excellent way to discover new music based on the people you follow (friends, artists, companies) and what you have been listening to. Album screens have user comments about a song or the album and some even have a critic’s review. Plenty of selection and new songs are constantly being added.

Cons:
Smaller music catalog, which is not a noticeable for most music searches, but still a smaller selection. Rdio lacks the app system present in Spotify, which boosts features like music discovery or social discussions. Another small problem with Rdio is how it internationalizes albums; some albums are presented as unplayable because it is a US release even if the same exact album is available. This is especially annoying when you follow someone from the US and their album recommendations appear as unplayable. Finally, there is no offline mode for desktop use and no iTunes match unless the desktop client is downloaded.

Deezer

Music Catalog: 20+ million songs
Pricing:

• Discovery [free] – unlimited, ad supported streaming for the first 12 months, then a limit of two hours per month.
• Premium [£4.99] – unlimited, ad free streaming on your browser
• Premium+ [£9.99] – unlimited, ad free streaming on your browser, access on mobile devices, and offline mode for desktop

Pros:
Deezer has a huge catalog of songs and is available in 182 countries, making it a fierce competitor of Spotify and Rdio. Deezer operates through your browser, so there are no downloads required. It offers a Facebook activity tab to inform you of what your friends are listening to. Deezer also has an app ecosystem to add extra features to your music browsing experience. Switching to offline mode is as easy as clicking a button and all the features you need are easily accessible from the main screen.

Cons:
Deezer has many great features but they seem a little wonky. The design of the site is not really that smooth and feels quite cluttered; it appears as if Deezer is trying to mesh all the features it can without adjusting for usability. Despite having a large library, I did encounter some gaps from artists like Arcade Fire and smaller artists, which are available in Spotify. Finally, despite its huge international availability, it is not available in the US.

Despite their differences, Spotify, Rdio, and Deezer all offer very similar services. Each of these allows you to stream millions of songs, pair the experience with social media, and discover new music. They all have the same pricing structure give you access to the most important features: unlimited music streaming, discover channels, creation of radio stations, and access on your mobile devices. Each offers a free way to experience the service, so I say give the one that appeals to you a try. If it doesn’t work out, just switch services. Personally, I prefer Spotify, because of its apps and because most of my friends use it.

Other streaming services

Besides the big three services, there are also other options that are much more unique.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is a streaming service around the idea of sharing sounds with others. Whether it be songs, lectures, stand up bits, or narrations, users can upload content and share it with others. Soundcloud in was created by two artists who wanted to have a platform in which they could share songs, obtain feedback, and collaborate.

Notable features:
Upload your audio files or record directly from the different apps offered.
Create a community to share with and see what your friends are up to via the dashboard
Customize the service by installing third party apps to optimize your experience

Grooveshark

A music streaming service that works a bit different from the big three. Users are allowed to upload content which allows for an enormous catalog of music. Millions of songs are accessible and users are able to build playlists and add music to their collection. Grooveshark also features some discovery tools and allows users to see what the community is listening to. The legality of the service is currently questioned since there are concerns with copyright infringement.

Written by: Cesar Rizo

3D printing has been a work in progress for many years, but it isn’t until recently that a lot of people have begun to understand it and see the potential. If someone had told me in my teen years that I might someday be able to print anything I wanted rather than buy, I wouldn’t have been able to get my head around it. Now, I finally understand how much can be achieved through 3D printing. You could create anything that you could possibly want.

3D printing revolutionises the way the world works. Imagine the amount of objects you purchase throughout your lifetime. Whatever you need, you buy already made. It used to only be possible to do this by going to the store, but the Internet made online shopping possible so that we now live in a world where you can buy anything and everything sitting on your couch at home. But imagine if you could just print a new version of that soap dish you broke the other day, or that iPhone cover or whatever else you wanted. It is being used for creating prosthetics, it was used in Skyfall to copy the Aston Martin DB5, and architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars has plans to create a whole building using 3D printing. It may even be used to help build organs in the future.

3D printing is the next big thing; everyone is talking about it and waiting to see where it goes. Even in a sitcom like the Big Bang Theory (yes, I’m a big fan), they incorporate 3D printing in their latest episode. Howard and Raj purchase a 3D printer so that they can make miniature dolls of themselves. I’m convinced that soon, most households will have their own 3D printer. I’m already saving up for mine, and will definitely be starting with a miniature doll that looks like me.

In the world of technology, time moves very fast. There are constantly new gadgets and toys being released. Some turn out to be pointless or over the top (like the iPotty for kids…yeah, just google it), but some of them can be worth looking at. I have picked out a couple of practical and a couple of fun ones that I have recently come across, that are worth sharing.

Xtorm Power Bank 7300
We all know the dread and panic that fills you when you’re about to make a call and realize that your beloved smartphone is running out of battery. We have in the past mentioned phone chargers that use solar power, but this one, you won’t even have to worry about having to stick it onto a window. You simply charge it from home and tuck it away into your bag for the next time your phone runs low on juice. This nifty little device let’s you hook up your own USB cable to it, making it compatible with any mobile device. It even lets you charge two mobile devices at the same time!
Price: currently €69 on a-solar.eu

Mujjo Touchscreen Gloves
Having a smartphone is a blessing, but when you’re standing outside in the cold and wearing gloves, trying to use your phone can also be a nightmare. Personally, I’ll spend 10 minutes trying to find a way to use my phone without letting the cold get to my hands, before I actually pluck up the courage to just take off my gloves. On the other hand, I’m not so keen on the look of some of the touchscreen gloves I’ve come across. That’s where a lovely brand named Mujjo comes in. Their touchscreen gloves don’t have the tips of two fingers in a different colour, aren’t bulky and biker looking. They are wonderfully designed, and come in several different colours, including lavender. (If you are looking for something a bit more high end, Mujjo also make a leather version of their gloves, but these are of course a bit more expensive)
Cost: €25 on mujjo.com

Bone Collection Amplifier
There are loads of cool and stylish speakers out there that you can take around with you when you’re out and about. However, how about one that is made of silicone and doesn’t actually use any battery from your phone? What’s more, this speaker brings back the gramophone look. Granted, it isn’t the type of speaker you would have at a party and the sound isn’t amazing, but if you’re just looking for a simplistic amplifier with a funky look that you can toss in your bag and take along to a picnic, this is the one for you.
Cost: £3 on amazon.co.uk

Retro Phone Handset
There are very few that actually still have those old school bulky phones that people used to have at home back in the day. Now, almost every home has a wireless handset for their landline. However, if you’re feeling nostalgic and miss the good old days, you can buy a retro handset that you can plug into your phone. It’s big, bulky, and won’t fit in your handbag, but at least you’ll attract plenty of attention and have a good laugh!
Cost: £15 on overstock.com

Having just recently read an article about digital addiction in 2013, I thought it only appropriate to look at all the ways that social media and technology has helped this world. It is true that the digital evolution makes it easier and easier to step away from reality. Everything is becoming mobile. From making contactless card payments to buying your groceries, everything is just at your fingertips. I agree that there are too many people these days (including myself) that have a hard time putting their mobile away and paying attention to their surroundings. It is all too easy to forget what is around you and get lost in the online world. Rather than just enjoy your amazing meal at a restaurant with good company, you start thinking about how long it will take you to take a picture and post it on Facebook.  However, I also feel that it is all about finding a balance, something that each individual person must do.

Whether or not people choose to acknowledge it, we owe so much to the digital world. Before the Internet became so big, before platforms such as Facebook were even thought of, before mobile phones existed, you had to wait days to receive a letter from your loved ones. Most friends you would lose contact with. News travelled a lot more slowly. It was also so much harder to reach a big audience, particularly for the small fish. For musicians, artists and generally just creatives, getting your work out to enough people was the biggest ordeal. You were lucky if an influential person noticed you. Now, you can grow a fan base by just sitting at home in your living room with your laptop.

Looking at more serious uses of social media, many charities have been able to reach large numbers of people with campaigns more easily than if the Internet didn’t exist. For example, the Breast Cancer Awareness Facebook page alone has 3.7 million likes. Not only that, many more people are now able to voice their opinions and take action for causes they believe in. Crucial information from the other end of the world is able to reach people in the matter of a few minutes. Yet, there are still so many people who are opposed to the course the world is on.

Recently, I was reading about someone who doesn’t own a mobile phone and is frightened that he might one day be forced to buy one. I can’t help but wonder, is this because he truly believes that it’s unnecessary, or is it because he’s trying to rebel for the sake of rebelling? A mobile phone is a basic, and although I can understand it may be difficult to get used to for a generation that had to grow up without technology, there are still numerous advantages that you can’t ignore. Having a phone means being able to call someone in the case of an emergency, or being able to get an urgent message to a family member in a matter of seconds. Carrying around a smartphone means a calculator, a calendar, a dictionary, a map, access to a world of books, and so much more, all in your pocket. You can’t help but agree that it sounds rather awesome.

There are indeed many that become obsessed with their phones/tablets/laptops, and can’t go a minute without texting or checking Facebook, but how you use technology is up to you. Instead of being fearful, let’s get comfortable with technology and use it in the ways that benefit us, because the digital wave isn’t going to be slowing down any time soon.

Today is the last day of 2012, meaning it is time to reflect on everything that has happened in the year gone by. For Digital Snowball, 2012 has brought many changes. We have welcomed new team members, some at the beginning of the year and some more recent additions.

With more additions to our team, we also moved into a larger office, with a view of the Olympic stadium from our windows. Being so close to the 2012 Olympics was indeed a treat. From the sounds of the crowds cheering at the Olympic Stadium, to the incredible buzz all around London, hosting the Olympic games was truly an experience for London. The London 2012 Olympics demonstrated Great Britain’s ability to stand together, in support of all of our athletes who impressed everyone.

As the Olympics came and went, Digital Snowball went on as normal. From setting up a brand new edit suite, to buying new lenses and gadgets, the Digital Snowball team continued to move forwards with projects and plans.

There has never been a dull day in the Digital Snowball office during all of 2012. We have worked on some incredible projects this year, and have many more lined up for 2013. Keep an eye on our website for the latest news and updates.

Goodbye Digital Snowball, Goodbye Hackney Wick, and Goodbye London. Today is my last day at Digital Snowball and I am truly sad to say goodbye to the work and people here.  These past 7 weeks have been an incredible experience for me. Working in such a small tight knit agency has taught me more than I expected, and arguably more than my 3 other classes!!

Here is a quick recap of the work I have done at Digital Snowball. I was given the responsibility of running the social media for Digital Snowball, and I have watched the communities on the sites grow quite a bit! Check out our Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google+ and Pinterest pages, please and thank you. Also, as this was my first time in an agency, I was witness and assistant in working with some clients. Analyzing, optimizing, redesigning, and link building for client websites are just a few of the tasks I completed. Being able to participate in the back end work of SEO was a treat for me, yes nerdy I know, because it made me realize how much I enjoy the digital world. I know that the lessons and skills I have learned from Digital Snowball will help me in the near future to land another internship or job.

Although my time was busy and educational, I also had a great time in Hackney Wick itself. The London work environment is very different from the New York one I am used to. The office space here at Queen’s Yard feels like a community, there is a relaxed and open vibe but there is still a lot of work getting done. If you read my first post you will see that even from first impressions I could tell that Hackney Wick was a creative fun place to be, and my time has proved me right.

Finally, to London. My time in this city has been a life altering one.  I have learned to cook, drink mass amount of tea (not as much as my bosses still), travel alone, appreciate the wonders of the world, and most importantly decide on my future. Also, thanks for staying relatively warm and dry for me. I hope one day in the future I can return to this city, maybe even permanently? And to all my friends, I promise that despite my best efforts, I did not pick up a false British accent!

 (Sad to say goodbye)

Being part of the Millennial Generation, I have grown up surrounded by social media. However, over the years, I have seen social sites boom to a point, where now there are an unbelievable number of said sites. The key to running a successful social media campaign is the ability to be engaging and valuable on whatever platform you are using. Here is a quick overview of the main social platforms and how to best utilize them:

Facebook – Obviously the most used social media site. Business pages are vital; the most successful posts are ones that are creative, especially if you have a photograph. Facebook has now become open to marketing with promoted posts and targeted posts. The main users still expect it to be a personal friendship site, so posts need to be personal and worth their time.

Great to build a loyal group of fans! Tip: Reward your fans.

Twitter – Worked its way to be the next most used social media site. What people look for from Twitter is unique and newsworthy content. Unfortunately for daily publishers, people now turn to Twitter for news content, but a lot of the same stuff is constantly being shared, so you need to stand out in the stream.

Great to show off your personality! Tip: Have an entertaining avatar & clear voice

LinkedIn – Originally a place for person-to-person business related interactions, LinkedIn has also adapted to the need to include companies. This is the site you want to be on to recruit for your company. There is also the opportunity to share content, so you can validate yourself as an expert in the field.

Great to build a large professional network! Tip: LinkedIn beat major job boards 3 to 1 on applicant quality – use it.

Google+ – Unlike what was first expected, G+ did not explode into the social media world and take down Facebook. In fact, it almost flopped, attracting over 400 million users in the first year, but only having 100 million of them be active users. However, in true Google fashion, there are no obvious signs of them giving up, so G+ is going nowhere. The site will continue to change until it becomes significant.

Great for SEO purposes, Google loves to help themselves! Tip: Use fun and creative images for your profile to engage potential fans.

Pinterest – In the past few years, Pinterest has had the most impressive boom in social success, being called the site that flourished over night. The ability for you to have an online creative space that also allows for interaction with peers, consumers and businesses is unique. Although Pinterest is most beneficial for e-commerce sites, it can also be helpful for businesses that create visually appealing content.

Great for e-commerce and driving traffic! Tip: Host a contest

Myspace – I know you are thinking, “didn’t MySpace die about 5 years ago,” but under its new ownership by Specific Media, I see a comeback. Planning to relaunch within the next year as a predominantly music site, the social aspect of the site will help it rival Pandora and Spotify. The preview of new site shows an area for statuses, mixes, events, friends and more. This could be the next big social site for all those in the music industry.

Great for discovery! Tip: Jump onto this platform as soon as it resurfaces so you can get a full grasp of all its new features.

As previously mentioned, there are tons of social sites and all of them could bring a unique advantage to the company behind them. It is expected and necessary to have more than one social account, however it is vital that each one is a strong representation of your brand.  Go claim your domain and start becoming a social company!

If you are looking for help with digital marketing in London, contact us. 

There have over time been some amazing videos gone viral. Cadbury’s gorilla, Judd Laipply’s Evolution of Dance, and recently PSY’s Gangnam style have taken the world by storm. But what is it that makes a video successful?

Viral videos range from being weird and wacky to being cute and adorable. The beauty of it is that you won’t know if yours is successful until you put it out there and wait for a response. There simply isn’t a quick recipe for ensuring that your video attracts millions of views. The only thing you can be sure of is that your video had better be different from everything else out there, which in this day and age can be rather difficult. It almost seems like everything has already been done. Yet, videos continue to pop up online and people continue to watch them.

The common factor is that these videos either make you go “wow”, “aww” or make you piss your pants laughing (you can go for the “ewww” reaction too but for a business, I wouldn’t advise it…). Creating something that achieves either of these reactions from millions of people is not something that happens overnight, it takes a lot of brainstorming and hard work. If you imitate an already existing successful video, chances are that yours is bound to flop. It’s all about originality and creativity. Of course, if you’ve already got a big brand name, that definitely helps too.

Have a look at Coke’s latest video, for the new James Bond movie Skyfall. We’ve all had a good laugh over it. I’d call it a genius concept…