Sound. It is one of the most elemental human experiences. But for whatever reason, sound has not taken off as a huge part of social media.
In fact, sound, and specifically music, can be somewhat of an annoyance. Who hasn't clicked into a website while at work, or while the children are sleeping, and music start blasting from the page automatically?
Sound has the ability to delight and inform. Even better, it can be utilized while multitasking. And who doesn't multitask in this new brave world?
Just last week, Shel Holtz, a podcaster and long-time social media's influencer, wrote about sound and how it is being underutilized in social media and branding. As I read the post, I found myself nodding . It made me think that it was about time I took some action on my own sound ambitions.
My Sound Ambition
Like many people, I listen to KUHF Houston through my computer or music from my playlists on Spotify while I'm working. Both of these services are great uses of digital audio. I am also a regular listener to Shel and Neville Hobson’s podcast For Immediate Release. It informs me every week about the trends in social media and communication, usually as I take my run (multitasking).
More recently, I became more aware of a service called SoundCloud, an online audio distribution platform that enables its users to upload, record, promote and share their originally-created sounds. In July 2013, it had 40 million registered users and 200 million listeners. The service has been around since 2007, but took hold more popularly in 2010.
What I love about SoundCloud is that you can upload your MP3 files, they need not be music, and then share them as an embed on any website or blog. It is a great reason to share old sound files, or make new ones. If you are brand or nonprofit, sound is a great (and cheap) way to tell amazing stories that can then appended to blog posts. From a personal point of view, how about interviewing elders in your family? Or sharing your knowledge or talents?
My Sound Project
Instead of waiting for a client to try out my ideas, I thought I would start with myself. Little known fact that will now be well known, I am a singer. Since I was a kid, I have always been playing an instrument (violin), singing with a group or band, or performing in some way. It's probably why I loved social media so much, because you could share an elemental experience with people beyond your four walls. Moreover, I have a few songs I’ve have recorded. However, they have just sat on my hard drive as I've moved from computer to computer over the years.
I decided to launch my own music channel on Sound Cloud. Once I run out of mp3’s from my band days, maybe I will be inspired enough to make some new ones? We will see.
And while we are at it, I think I might have some great ideas for a podcast about social media measurement. I think I have created a monster here.
What are your ideas for using sound to enhance your social media?
I will leave you with Angel, originally sung by Sarah McLaughlin, and covered by me.
If you are interested in hearing more, my SoundCloud page has a few more songs, and I plan to add even more over the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: Vancouver Film School
This post is part of the Not So Small series.
Hey, Kami! I’d fall in to the category of the person who HATED My Space because people were always trip-wiring it with loud, obnoxious music that they loved ;). I checked out your Sound Cloud account, and it looks like a cool service (and you have a beautiful voice). I’m sorry you missed the deadline for the Not So (Small) Stories :(.