Turntable.fm is officially bad ass. It is a case study in releasing via exclusive social circles with just a few important people @sacca, etc kickstarting the thing.
Turntable.fm
From a more scientific perspective, what makes Turntable.fm so good?
- Web-Based- Since Turntable.fm is web-based there is no need to fire up an external app or download something. Anyone can access it anytime on one playing field.
- The Need To Behave- Because DJ’s are offered the almighty “point(s)” they viscerally feel the need to behave and do their best to play music suitable for the room. It is amazing how much assigning a simple point system and offering ridiculous headwear keeps folks in line.
- Easy To Find Your Group- There are so many obscure rooms that you are sure to find other anti-establishment hipsters to blend in with (irony?).
- Music Curation By Strangers- There are several services to find music curated by friends. However, this is the first app that really keys in on curated music by strangers. If the room agrees with the selection, the song is ceremoniously initiated as “cool” and therefore okay for me to listen to in the future. I like this.
The Coming Wave
I really think we will see more apps like Turntable.fm. Not necessarily for music either. Apps with simple animation, social elements, and slight gamification. Maybe there will be a light storyline, but nothing to stand in the way of engagement. I think Zynga is doing this in a way, but I believe these apps will get even simpler.
