by Michael Jackson was truly one of the biggest pop stars the world has ever seen. With hits like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It,” his music dominated the charts throughout the 1980s. Even after his tragic death in 2009, his legacy lives on through his iconic songs and performances. However, in today’s digital age, new generations may be less familiar with his extensive catalog. Fortunately, various online platforms have emerged as the perfect breeding ground to introduce Jackson’s timeless music to whole new audiences.
Accessibility Through Streaming
One of the biggest factors driving the discovery of Jackson’s music among younger fans is the accessibility provided by modern streaming services. Sites like Spotify and Apple Music give users instant access to virtually any song ever recorded with just a few taps or clicks. This level of convenience has transformed how new generations explore music.
Through streaming, curious listeners can easily sample Jackson’s hits or delve deeper into full albums on a whim. Playlists curated by the platforms themselves, like “This Is Michael Jackson” and “The Essential Michael Jackson,” provide a starting point for discovery. These highlight his most popular songs alongside album cuts and rare tracks.
For those wanting a more comprehensive journey, Jackson’s discography is also readily available to stream in its entirety. This allows fans to experience the artistic progression and unique styles of albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad from start to finish. They can appreciate how each song contributes to the overall story being told across multiple eras.
Streaming has truly opened the doors for casual listeners to organically stumble upon Jackson’s music and become hooked. No longer are fans limited to just the radio singles they heard growing up. Services that consolidate all music in one place empower new generations to fully explore legendary artists like Jackson at their own pace.
Viral Discovery Through Short Form Video
Aside from dedicated music streaming, various social media platforms have also played a major role in introducing Jackson to younger audiences. None more so than the juggernaut that is TikTok. The short video sharing app has seen countless viral trends centered around Jackson’s biggest hits.
Clips of users dancing or lip syncing to snippets of “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Smooth Criminal” rack up millions upon millions of views. Hashtags like #michaeljackson and #thriller regularly attract new posts. Even simple reaction or compilation videos celebrating Jackson’s talent explode in popularity.
Through a 15-30 second TikTok, many Gen Z users get their first taste of just how catchy and iconic these songs are. Curiosity leads them to Shazam or look up the full tracks online. Some may then delve deeper to learn more about the artist behind such enduringly popular music.
YouTube also plays a role through fan-made remixes and mashups showcasing Jackson’s vocals. Covers by up-and-coming artists can gain traction there as well. Interactive comment sections allow discovery of other deep cuts or live performances to check out.
In the past, viral word-of-mouth or chance radio play were the primary ways new fans organically encountered an artist’s music. Now social platforms exponentially amplify that process, keeping legacy acts like Jackson culturally relevant for generations to come.
Immersive Visual Storytelling
What sets Jackson apart from many of his peers was his masterful ability to blend music with visual artistry. His short films for songs like “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” were groundbreaking achievements that have stood the test of time. Through YouTube, a new generation can now experience these mini-movies alongside the songs they accompany.
Watching the iconic zombie dance sequence in the “Thriller” video or gravity-defying moves in “Smooth Criminal” gives listeners a more immersive introduction to Jackson as an artist. They get to see firsthand what made his live performances so thrilling while appreciating the masterful storytelling. Viewing counts for these videos routinely exceed 100 million, a testament to their enduring appeal.
Fans both old and new also flock to YouTube to revisit Jackson’s legendary concert films like Live at Wembley Stadium. Sharing the experience of over 100,000 fans screaming along to hits in a stadium setting helps new listeners feel more connected to the magic. Live performances from the Bad and Dangerous tours further showcase Jackson’s unmatched showmanship, charisma and dance prowess.
Through visual storytelling, YouTube transforms Jackson’s music into an audio-visual experience. It brings his artistry to life in a way that simple streaming cannot, drawing in curious viewers and cementing his legacy for future generations. The multimedia approach keeps fans engaged and ensures they come to appreciate Jackson as more than just a hitmaker, but a true entertainer and innovator.
Gaining Insight Into His Creative Process
Aside from the music and visuals themselves, documentary films and interviews available online provide invaluable insight into Jackson’s legendary work ethic and creative process. Learning about what fueled such a prolific career can help new fans feel a deeper connection to the artist.
Films like Bad 25, Michael Jackson’s Vision and the recently released two-part documentary Michael Jackson’s Neverland Firsthand shed light on the meticulous planning, rehearsals and technical innovations that went into each new era. Interviews with collaborators reveal Jackson’s relentless pursuit of perfection and obsession over even the smallest details.
Hearing fellow legends like Quincy Jones and Slash discuss working with Jackson in the studio gives a sense of his otherworldly talents. Behind-the-scenes footage from music videos, commercial shoots and rehearsals showcase an artist completely in his element, with an unmatched passion for his craft.
For curious new fans, gaining this type of insightful perspective into the man behind the music helps them appreciate Jackson on an entirely new level. It transforms him from a larger-than-life icon into a real person with flaws, insecurities and an unwavering drive to create. Learning of his artistic vision and relentless work ethic inspires admiration that deepens the connection to his legacy.
Community Building Online
While Jackson sadly isn’t here to perform or create new music, online communities help keep fans engaged with his legacy. Subreddits, Facebook groups and forums dedicated to discussing all things MJ foster passionate discussion and analysis among both longtime and newer admirers.
Topics range from ranking songs and albums to theorizing unreleased tracks. Users share rare photos, videos and memories. Contests are held to remix or cover favorite songs. Event announcements for movie screenings, hologram shows or museum exhibits help coordinate real-world gatherings.
Social platforms also allow global communities to form. Fans from all corners of the world can bond over their shared love, regardless of language or geography barriers. This international network helps Jackson’s influence spread even further.
For curious listeners just discovering Jackson, being able to instantly connect with a vibrant, dedicated fanbase online aids the obsession. Browsing discussions and discovering new details keeps the excitement alive long-term. The communal experience enhances appreciation for both the artist and fellow admirers, cementing one’s membership in the loyal “Jackon family.”
Sustaining Cultural Relevance
Through accessibility, discovery, visual storytelling and community building online, Michael Jackson’s music and artistry continue finding new life with each generation. In the digital age, his iconic songs and unmatched talents face no risk of being forgotten or confined to the past. Platforms actively work to introduce his greatness to anyone with an internet connection.
While Jackson may be gone, his legacy lives on through the millions of fans his music inspires worldwide. Digital formats ensure that legacy sustains cultural relevance indefinitely. As long as online communities thrive and new listeners discover hits like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal,” Jackson’s timeless talents will resonate with audiences for decades to come. His music was truly made for the digital era, connecting with people globally in a way that remains unparalleled. For that reason, the King of Pop’s influence as one of history’s greatest entertainers is safe for generations to come.
