Online concerts. What are they, how do they work, and most importantly, are they the new norm within the music industry? By now, some of your favorite artists may have announced that they are performing an online concert. In fact, you may have even attended an online concert. So how exactly do they work? First off, a solo artist or band collaborates with an online streaming platform, such as LiveNow, Universe, or Veeps, in order to perform the show virtually. When an artist announces the online concert, they typically share the link to a website in order to purchase tickets. Some artists such as Liam Payne have even created a “pay what you want” ticket system where different tiers of payments include various pieces of merchandise. For other concerts, ticket prices can vary between $10 and $20. Most performers will hold an online concert to donate the profits towards charities, COVID-19 relief funds, or to raise money for concert crews who have been laid off during the pandemic. 

Once you purchase a ticket, the streaming platform will send an email informing you of the concert details, and how you can stream it the day of. When it comes to actually attending the concert, all you have to do is go to the streaming site, sometimes enter details, and then wait for the concert to begin. The artist will then start performing their setlist with their band, like a normal concert, while everyone watches from home. Most platforms will then allow ticket holders to rewatch the livestream for up to a few days after the performance. By attending an online concert, you are able to watch the stream from anywhere in your house while supporting charities and organizations, which is pretty cool if you ask me. Even though you don’t get to experience the concert with a huge crowd, you could always invite a few friends over and watch the stream together. Plus, unlike in-person concerts, you’re able to experience online concerts over and over again for a limited time. 

Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Liam Payne, and iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball are just a few of the many who have held or will be holding, an online concert. So are online concerts becoming the new norm within the music industry? Well, until the pandemic has settled down and vaccines are released, I believe they are. Online concerts not only give the chance for fans to watch their favorite artists perform on a stage, but also give back to people who have been unable to work during these difficult times. Sometimes, the performing artist will even have a guest star or an after-party, which just adds to the experience that costs less than $30.00. The next time you hear about an artist holding an online concert, you should check it out, and maybe even attend if you like their music!