What Is Turntable FM? A Comprehensive Overview

Are you tired of the same old music streaming services?

Do you miss the days of discovering new music with friends in a virtual room?

Look no further than Turntable.fm.

This once-popular social media platform is making a comeback thanks to a recent $7.5 million funding round.

With its unique concept of creating virtual rooms where users can DJ and share music with each other, Turntable.fm offers a fresh and interactive way to enjoy music.

But how does it work? And what sets it apart from other music streaming services?

Let’s dive in and explore the world of Turntable.fm.

What Is Turntable FM

Turntable.fm is a social media platform that allows users to create virtual rooms where they can DJ and share music with each other.

The concept is simple: users can create a room and invite their friends to join. Once inside, users can take turns playing songs for the group to enjoy.

One of the unique features of Turntable.fm is that it allows users to discover new music in a social setting. Users can see what their friends are listening to and discover new songs and artists through their playlists.

Another feature that sets Turntable.fm apart from other music streaming services is its emphasis on community. Users can chat with each other in real-time while listening to music, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.

The Concept Of Turntable.fm: Creating Virtual Rooms For Music Sharing

Turntable.fm’s concept is centered around creating virtual rooms for music sharing. Users can create a room and invite others to join, where they can take turns playing songs for the group to enjoy. This creates a social experience where users can listen to music together and discover new songs and artists through their friends’ playlists.

One of the unique features of Turntable.fm is its focus on community. Users can chat with each other in real-time while listening to music, creating a shared experience and a sense of camaraderie. This social aspect is what sets Turntable.fm apart from other music streaming services.

Turntable.fm also allows users to earn “DJ points” by playing popular songs that encourage people to make their virtual avatars dance. These points can be used to purchase cooler avatars, adding a gamification element to the platform.

Although Turntable.fm shut down in 2013, it has recently been relaunched as a mobile-first service with a renewed emphasis on music discovery, community-building, and emerging DJs. The platform aims to engage the music industry and develop a business model that works for both artists and fans.

How To Get Started With Turntable.fm: Setting Up Your Profile And Joining Rooms

To get started with Turntable.fm, the first step is to create a profile. Users can sign up using their Facebook account or by providing their email address and creating a password. Once logged in, users can customize their profile by uploading a profile picture and adding a bio.

After creating a profile, users can start exploring the site and joining rooms. To join a room, simply click on the room’s name from the list of available rooms. Users can also search for specific rooms or browse by genre.

Once inside a room, users can see who else is in the room and what songs are currently playing. Users can also chat with each other in real-time and request to DJ. When it’s their turn to DJ, users can search for songs using Turntable.fm’s extensive library or upload their own music.

The Role Of DJs In Turntable.fm: Curating Music And Engaging With Listeners

One of the key elements of Turntable.fm is the role of the DJs. In each virtual room, up to five users can take turns playing songs for the group. As a DJ, the user has the power to curate the music for the room and set the tone for the listening experience.

But being a DJ on Turntable.fm is not just about playing music. It’s also about engaging with the listeners in the room. DJs can chat with users in real-time, taking requests and discussing the music being played. This creates a sense of community and interaction that is often missing from other music streaming services.

In addition, Turntable.fm has a unique feature that allows users to vote on each song being played by a DJ. If a song gets enough votes, it stays in rotation. If not, it’s replaced by the next DJ’s selection. This creates a competitive element to the experience, as DJs must choose songs that will resonate with the audience and keep them engaged.

Interacting With Other Users In Turntable.fm: Chatting, Voting, And Collaborating

One of the main ways users can interact with each other in Turntable.fm is through the chat feature. Users can chat with each other in real-time while listening to music, creating a sense of community and shared experience. This allows users to connect with each other over their shared love of music and discover new songs and artists through their conversations.

Another way users can interact with each other is through voting. As DJs take turns playing songs, other users in the room can vote on the current DJ’s choice. If a song gets enough upvotes, the DJ earns a point. This creates a competitive element to the experience, as DJs are forced to consider which songs will fit the audience in the room and its current vibe.

Users can also collaborate with each other in Turntable.fm by taking turns DJing together. For example, an artist could invite fans to listen to them spin their favorite music alongside select fans or band members. This creates a unique opportunity for artists to connect with their fans in a more personal and interactive way.

The Future Of Turntable.fm: Recent Developments And Plans For Expansion.

Turntable.fm has recently received $7.5 million in funding from venture capitalists, led by Andreessen Horowitz, a decade after the site’s original launch. This funding will allow Turntable.fm to take the next step in its development and expand its services beyond its current invite/password-only model.

The company is currently hiring engineers and designers to help bring new ideas to life. While founder Billy Chasen has not disclosed where the funding will go, he has stated that it will allow the company to continue to innovate and explore the cross-section of social and music.

One of the challenges that Turntable.fm faces is music licensing. Currently, the service uses YouTube videos as a workaround for music rights. However, in the future, Turntable.fm may involve more direct music licensing or ties to popular apps like Spotify. A mobile app is also a possibility.

Despite its initial shutdown in 2013 due to high costs, Turntable.fm has been resurrected for the pandemic age and has found a new audience eager for social experiences in music. The service’s 3-D design evokes a sense of community and shared experience that is missing from other music streaming services.

In conclusion, with new funding and a focus on innovation, Turntable.fm is poised for expansion and growth in the future. Its unique emphasis on community and social experiences in music make it a standout among other music streaming services.