Live streaming was a touchy subject on Facebook last week. A new policy update revealed that users could no longer create a “music listening experience” in their videos and live streams. Violators were threatened with the video being deleted and a possible deletion of the user’s accounts, pages, and groups.
This was very harsh language and didn’t go into much detail of what exactly a listening experience was. During the pandemic many musicians took to live streaming as a way to continue to make money through Venmo, Paypal, or Cashapp tips. Would an independent artist singing cover songs in the apartment be on the chopping block?
I do know that the AI in Facebook’s software is extremely intelligent at detecting recorded & published music with a copyright. It will detect the part of a video and stream that violates the rules and mute the audio. Repeat offenders can risk suspension or deletion of their account.
So DJ’s and people that play FM radio or music streaming services in the background of their videos are the most at risk. I have yet to have the AI detect a cover song I was singing while playing guitar.
I was quick to react to this news before I had the whole story. I decided to do some live streaming on YouTube instead. If they find copyrighted music, they usually just throw an ad on top of the video to cover royalties and give you a slap on the wrist.
I noticed relatively the same amount of viewers as my Facebook live streams, and I even am getting regular new subscribers to my YouTube channel! Since, I am not getting digital tips as often, the subscribers are very valuable to the growth of my band’s brand.
Facebook later released an updated statement on their October 1st change of policy. The “music listening experience” did not include live streaming bands at venues or musicians releasing videos/streams from their apartment using their own voice/instruments. As long as you don’t use a pre-recorded track, you’re in the clear.
This is a relief, but I also think it’s funny that they let the entire Facebook music community speculate their future for literally days. Who knows? Maybe the backlash of their update made them change their tune a bit.
All I know is I’m not sure if I will go back to streaming on Facebook yet. I’m seeing the same amount of viewers and gaining subscribers on You Tube. I would get likes, comments, and shares on Facebook Live, but not many of them turned into fan page likes or Spotify follows.
A music career is a long game, not a flash in the pan. It’s good to have loyal followers that will continue to support you over the years.
That being said, follow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UxG7q3ipzVHQ1O88kBHrn?si=-HwADLEUSRClH0uqfGuDXQ
blakekathryn
izzy806
stormborns
theartofmadeline
2087
germansingergirl