FaceBook Adding Music With iTunes

FaceBook has entered the music fray, adding music functionality complete with links to iTunes. The new music section is set to compete with rival social network MySpace's already well established section for musicians. The addition of music purchase capability is an intriguing twist that could give FaceBook an edge, at least temporarily.

Much like MySpace and music-only networks like Trig, FaceBook's music section will allow musicians to create a profile for themselves or their bands. The profile can include videos, song downloads, a music player, and band member and musician information, in addition to new features.

It is the new features of FaceBook foray into music that make it unique. They have added links from songs to iTunes, enabling music downloads. They have enabled streaming music. Not only that, FaceBook has hooked up with Music Today to offer tickets to their concerts and merchandise. That kind of usability is what other social music networks and sub networks have been missing all along.

It will be interesting to see how FaceBook's innovation in this arena changes other social networks' approach to music. MySpace had an inline music player and the ability to grab lyrics and some songs if the band approved, but no real way for the band to sell merchandise, tickets and music and make real money. That ability changes the game for both the music lover and the musician. Sure, serious musicians have websites that link to these things, but most music lovers are already on at least one social network, many more, and this will bring one stop shopping to their music and social experience.

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