Adding Music To A Website: How To Do It Properly
Music on websites can be a delicate subject. There are those who say you should avoid not just music, but sound of any kind. But let’s not dismiss music just yet.
There are some instances when music can work well, but it has to be done correctly for a website to benefit. This article discusses the best practices and things to look out for when it comes to adding music to your website.
Give the viewer the option to listen
People don’t tend to like having music thrust upon them without being asked first, so if you do intend to air music, it’s important to let visitors decide for themselves whether they listen to it, rather than automatically playing music at them.
If someone is in a library or at work, the last thing they want is to be startled and draw attention to themselves. As soon as the music starts, they will close their browser as quickly as they can.
However, if you do opt for autoplay music, it’s better to have a complete track playing, rather than a shorter, smaller-sized clip that loops continuously, which can be infuriating.
Use it in the right places
There are certain websites that lend themselves to streaming music, such as sites for bands, nightclubs and gig venues. But even in these cases, you still need to think carefully about adding music.
Not everyone who visits a band’s website is looking for tour details and, for this reason, such information isn’t found on the homepage. Similarly, people won’t always be visiting to listen to music, so it’s a good idea to refrain from playing it automatically on the homepage.
In some cases it might be more beneficial to place it deeper within the site. You can direct a visitor to the music and, once they’ve found it, they’re likely to be more receptive to hearing it.
However, if a band releases a new song, then the homepage is an ideal platform to make it available. That way, those who land there and weren’t necessarily aware of the new track, have the chance to hear it.
Avoid legal issues
There are all sorts of copyright issues surrounding playing music on a African Music Streaming Platform. Buying or downloading an album, for example, entitles you to listen to it privately. However, airing it publicly, such as on a website, requires further licensing from the artist or publisher; even if you play just a small clip.
Obtaining this licence could cost an annual fee totaling thousands of pounds but, even worse, playing music without the correct licence might end up costing you a lot more.
So what are the alternatives? Countless websites devote themselves to providing stock music for use on websites. Music tracks and clips can be bought for a one-off fee, which, once paid, enables you to add the music to your website.
Some sites even offer royalty-free music. The only downside here is that the process is similar to searching for clothes in the sale and you’ll usually have to work quite hard to find something that does the job well.
It’s best to keep in mind that, when buying stock or royalty-free music, you generally get what you pay for.
Don’t force visitors to listen to music
As you can see, there’s more to adding music to a website than merely playing your favourite song on your homepage.
You need to put your visitors first. Music on your website can detract from their experience on your site. So, if you do decide to have music, make it optional and use it in the right place.