Reflection #3: Can an Industry Function off of Social Media Alone?

       Kpop is an industry that functions mainly off of social media marketing. Although, many companies and products have done this before, it is nearly unheard of for an entire music industry to do so and for it to be successful. The ways in which Kpop has gone about this marketing technique is by using platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to showcase that in which they are trying to sell or advertise, such as album releases, tour dates, or the introduction of new groups. Kpop has found the use of social media to be so effective when communication cross-culturally, that a new social media platform has been created just for the use of Kpop stars and fans to interact. This app is called the V app.

       Kpop has utilized YouTube as a form of initial communication with audiences. Through this platform, companies as well as the artists themselves are able to upload videos containing concert/ information, general thank you messages, as well as airing their own shows using online this site. YouTube is one of Kpop's most successful forms of marketing, because it not only keeps audiences engaged with new and exciting content, but it also has the ability to translate what is being said into a multitude of different languages. That way the content can better reach a broader range of audiences form across the globe.

As mentioned before, The V App is a social media platform that was created to support the advertising of different artists from different music genres, by each group/artist, being able to create their own page that has features specifically for their fandoms and products, such as customized emoji's, chat rooms, and video purchases.

       Kpop has utilized YouTube as a form of initial communication with audiences. Through this platform, companies as well as the artists themselves are able to upload videos containing concert/ information, general thank you messages, as well as airing their own shows using online this site. YouTube is one of Kpop's most successful forms of marketing, because it not only keeps audiences engaged with new and exciting content, but it also has the ability to translate what is being said into a multitude of different languages. That way the content can better reach a broader range of audiences form across the globe.

Sources:
V LIVE. "[Teaser] real live V app with BTS (방탄소년단). YouTube. 6 August 2015. Medium. 7            March 2017 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMRradzu620>
BANGTANTV, "방탄소년단 BTS cup 'FAN ART Contest Awards' 2015." YouTube. Bighit                      Entertainment. 8 July 2015. Medium. 7 March 2017 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?                      v=f7O8NeSNKM0>