MySpace brings video recording to karaoke channel
Social network wants to bring karaoke to millions of people across the Web. And with a redesign of its karaoke page and online recording, it thinks it's on to something.
MySpace announced on Wednesday that it launched a freshly redesigned MySpace Karaoke page. The new service includes better navigation, improved sharing between friends, a dedicated upload manager, and most importantly, video recording.
The MySpace Karaoke recorder allows users to record video in either standard-definition or high-definition formats, with as little as a microphone and Webcam. Once users pick a song they want to perform, they can click on the "Play" button, which will bring them to the Karaoke page for the particular song.
Unlike before, the video player now includes a red "Record" button, which, once clicked, immediately allows users to record on MySpace itself without performing any other computer tasks.
"MySpace Karaoke is a great way for the MySpace community to express themselves, share their musical talents, and connect around shared interests--the type of interaction MySpace has encouraged and fostered since its inception," said Nimrod Lev, senior vice president of MySpace Karaoke. "In less than six months since its launch, over 4 million users have visited MySpace Karaoke, and there are over 500,000 recordings, making it the largest karaoke venue in the world."
MySpace entered licensing partnerships with all the major and independent labels to provide MySpace Karaoke users with access to thousands of licensed tracks. Right now, the most popular song on the service is "Kindly Unspoken," in the style of Kate Voegele. It's a sight to behold.
But if you think you have what it takes to make it big on MySpace Karaoke, the company will be hosting a series of contests over the next few months to get users to try out the site. Contestants will perform and record a particular artist's hit song, and the winner will be chosen by the artist. The top three finishers will be awarded prizes.
The first MySpace Karaoke contest kicks off today and will run through October 27. The contest's artist will be Jesse McCartney.
