The Future of Virtual Concerts: Will They Dominate The Music Industry?

The Covid pandemic has partly changed the way our world functions, giving birth to new trends. Working from home, e-learning, and now, we’re witnessing the emergence of virtual concerts. They have created a buzz among music fans and the general public alike. That said, many still doubt the future of virtual concerts. Will they outshadow live concerts, or is this just a fleeting trend? Keep scrolling down to unveil!

What Is A Virtual Concert? How Does It Work?

Virtual concerts are music performances that can be streamed from anywhere. The concerts can be live or recorded, and they are available on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Zoom, etc. What sets them apart from other online music products is audiences can interact during the performance and enjoy a realistic concert experience.

These concerts can be filmed at a concert hall, specialized studio, or even a home studio. To deliver high-definition quality, musicians have to equip the setting with high-end microphones, multiple cameras, and sufficient lighting. This ensures that their performances are recorded or streamed from all angles, with lively, crisp sounds and dazzling lighting.

There’s a world of difference between streaming a virtual concert and simply enjoying a song or an MV. VR and AR technologies enter to step up the game, allowing audiences to experience the concert with all their senses. 

They can not only watch and listen to the music but also “feel” it as if they’re at the concert venue. Imagine slipping on a Quest 3s headset and immersing yourself in an international concert thousands of miles away all from the comfort of your home. That’s a new era of convenient and immersive music and entertainment!

Artists perform at a well-equipped studio
Artists perform at a well-equipped studio

Why Virtual Concerts Are Gaining Traction

What retains viewers is not just their curiosity about a new trend; virtual concerts can benefit audiences in many ways:

  • Effortless accessibility: Virtual concerts blur the geography gap and offer a boundless music experience. All the professional music performances are just a click away. Whether you’re from a rural, remote area or unable to come to the live concert, you can enjoy the music anywhere and anytime with a stable Internet connection. Virtual concerts are also available on various platforms, catering to different preferences.
  • Superb convenience: No parking hassles, no crowds, and no long lines for check-ins; virtual concerts tick all the boxes, delivering a seamless experience for a large number of viewers simultaneously. You can escape the crowd and enjoy the pure music in your own space.
  • Affordable cost: This is a cost-effective way to attend a concert without the hassle of travel and accommodation expenses. Flight prices often soar around the concert dates, especially for high-profile artists like Taylor Swift or Coldplay. Ticket fees are sometimes more affordable thanks to reduced overhead costs.
  • Equal interaction: Gone are the days of squeezing into crowded venues just to catch the idol’s attention. At a virtual concert, everyone is treated equally. Interactive features, such as virtual meet-and-greets and chat rooms, allow all viewers to connect with their favorite artists. 
  • Environment-friendly form of entertainment: According to Grammy, in 2022 alone, about 45,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions were associated with live concerts. However, with virtual concerts, this number will be reduced significantly.

Top Virtual Concerts That Are Real Hits

US-UK and K-pop stars are pioneers in hosting virtual concerts. In 2020, Travis Scott wowed audiences with a groundbreaking virtual concert in the video game Fortnite, which attracted 27.7 million players to join the online performance. 

In the same year, BTS—one of the legendary K-pop boy bands— held the “Bang Bang Con” virtual concert, which lasted two days and amassed a whopping 50 million views globally.

The Future Of Virtual Concerts

Virtual concerts
Virtual concerts are a promising trend

With many successful shows and the benefits they bring, virtual concerts are poised for significant growth. As technologies continue to evolve, we can see a future where virtual concerts become more immersive and authentic, rivaling the experience of live performances. 

Musicians and event organizers strive to enhance the concert experience by employing cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art equipment. One of the promising updates is the VR and AR tech. Although still in its infancy, it’s expected that we can walk around the concert venue or even interact with the artist in real-time.


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