What the Metaverse could mean for content creators and copyright

If you’re a content creator or influencer, the metaverse is ready to welcome you into its fold. Becoming a part of the metaverse could take your content to the next level.

Lickd has done some digging into what the metaverse and Web 3.0, i.e the new era of the internet, could mean for those who create content for a living:

The metaverse is the latest term to be trending across the internet, and unsurprisingly so – but what do we actually know about the latest phenomenon which could shape the future of social media and society forever?

But what is the metaverse, what’s its impact going to be on content creation and what do you need to consider before you jump in at the deep end?

What is the metaverse?

Mark Zuckerbug (CEO & Founder, Facebook) recently announced that the metaverse could effectively change the social media landscape as we currently know it, with Facebook itself transforming from a social media company to a metaverse company.  The metaverse has been described as the “complete interactive reality, the connecting tissue between humanity” which will provide society with the technological tools to always be present. Using virtual reality headsets, glasses, devices and apps, the user can access a world of endless virtual opportunities, such as socialising, working and playing.

The impact of Meta and the metaverse on content creation

 Initially, the transition to an integrated virtual reality could be strange for influencers and creators to adapt to, however the emergence of this new technology could broaden opportunities for content creators on social media. With the endless possibilities to connect to people via holograms and avatars, wherever possible, we could see creators reaching new audiences and connecting with people from all over the world in new inventive ways. It offers a chance for a number of new trendsetters to emerge with early adopters helping shape it.

Creators will be transitioning to a new level of communication, interaction and presence, but if they join at the right time, it could transform their social media channels. Even now, using keywords like “metaverse” and “meta” in channel biographies could increase traffic on social media, which could potentially lead to brand partnerships – particularly with brands such as Gucci, Disney and Nike already planning their virtual networks. 

With planning in full swing, and 3D communities beginning on the likes of Facebook and Snapchat, there are a few things creators can do right now to prepare for the metaverse: 

1. Do your research 

Before purchasing any equipment, we would advise you to do more research on the metaverse, to ensure that you’re committed to exploring 3D realities before taking your content to the next level. Sign up for google alerts by following the term “metaverse”, and be sure to keep up to date with journalists who are writing about the metaverse. This will allow you to stay up to speed with metaverse trends and updates. 

2. Browse and shop the equipment

To get a headstart on the metaverse, creators can experience 3D realities through Facebook Horizon. You’ll need to purchase an Oculus 2 headset before creating an Oculus account, but shortly afterward, you can begin to create a 3D avatar. This will allow you to experience a range of metaverse opportunities – such as meeting other avatars, hosting events and joining Facebook groups with specific interests. 

3. Start interacting with communities and brands 

The quicker you can build connections with other creators, journalists, brands and 3D communities, the sooner you’ll become a part of the metaverse experience. You’ll get ahead of the game, leading to growth on your social media channels and making sure you’re future-proofed. This is also the best way to build confidence in the field by establishing your authority in the community. It could also drive you to hosting a 3D event, or partnering with a brand in the metaverse. So, in order to benefit from the technology, we would advise you to start building your avatar brand as soon as possible. 

Get yourself up to speed on music licensing and copyright for the metaverse

Just because we’re on the verge of discovering a whole new universe, it doesn’t mean that copyright is going away. If anything, it’ll just add another space in which you need to be wary about the music you’re using in your content. There’s probably going to be a number of exciting ways you’ll be able to weave music through your content, whether it’s at online events or creating immersive experiences. For example, Fortnite has demonstrated a new way of connecting with their audience by holding virtual music events which allow their players to tune in to a concert within the game, creating an exclusive, virtual community for the game’s fans.

However, before weaving music into your virtual content, it’s important to note that you’re still going to need to license your music. There’s a chance that they may not be so good at spotting licensed music straight away, the early days of many social media platforms had clunky ways to stop copyright, but you don’t want to run the risk of having your hand slapped early on. Assume that you still need to obtain a license, and consider that the usual Facebook or YouTube music licenses may not be enough. There’s a good chance licenses may change to take the metaverse into account.

Music licensing from Lickd

Lickd is the only place where creators can license popular music to use in their videos. It’s been our mission to make copyrighted music more available for creators, so they can get their hands on it easily and affordably, without the risk of a copyright claim. .  Currently, creators can license music for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more. We’ll be doing our research to add the metaverse to our mission too, so watch this space.

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