Suha Tasfia
The emergence of virtual performances has changed the music industry, continually influencing how music is experienced and delivered.
Since the late 2010s, virtual concerts have grown significantly in popularity. Artists like Travis Scott, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande have embraced this trend, performing for fans on platforms such as Fortnite, Roblox and Twitch. The emergence of virtual performances has introduced both exciting opportunities and complex challenges to the music industry, continually influencing how music is experienced and delivered.
Virtual concerts offer numerous benefits, including greater accessibility and creative forms of presentation. Their popularity surged in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as fans were able to support their favorite artists from the comfort of home. These online events also allow global audiences to attend performances without the need for travel or expensive tickets, making the experience more convenient and inclusive.
Additionally, virtual performances enable artists to experiment with interactive stages, live chat features and augmented reality. This has paved the way for new modes of artistic expression, further enhanced by advancing technologies. By removing barriers such as financial limitations, travel difficulties and geographic distance, virtual concerts have created a new space for artists and fans to connect.
“I think virtual concerts would be cool,” sophomore Izza Ahmed said. “I would probably want to see Chris Brown in a concert.”
While virtual concerts have become a popular form of entertainment, several concerns continue to deter some people from participating. Technical issues—such as lag, low-quality streaming or platform crashes—-can disrupt the experience. Additionally, not all fans have access to high-speed internet, which can further reduce the quality of the event.
Another common concern is the lack of real-time social interaction. Unlike in person concerts, virtual performances often miss the communal energy and excitement that come from being part of a live audience. As a result, the shared experience that many concertgoers seek can feel reduced in a digital setting. Moreover, the artists themselves may be missing out on the revenue typically generated from in-person performances, such as ticket sales, merchandise and other on-site purchases that are harder to replicate in a virtual setting.
“I think that virtual concerts are a fun and creative way to enjoy music from home, but they lack the experience of going to a live concert in person,” freshman Zenab Chaudry said.
“I don’t have concerns that affect me directly; however, I can see that the artist showcasing their talents to the public will lose out on a lot of sales,” FACS teacher Angela Mejia said.
Virtual concerts have introduced new dynamics to the music industry, contributing to its ongoing evolution. They offer an alternative way for audiences to experience the emotions and atmosphere of live performances without the challenges associated with in-person events. While the social interaction found in traditional concerts may be reduced, both live and virtual formats provide fans with valuable opportunities to connect with their favorite artists in different ways.