Tuned Global joined a conversation regarding streaming industry.
For more than a decade, streaming has dominated music consumption.
During that time, conversations about the industry have largely focused on catalog size, subscriber growth, and recommendation algorithms.
At SXSW Austin, however, industry leaders suggested that streaming is entering a new phase.
Instead of emphasizing passive listening, platforms are shifting toward active participation, stronger communities, and deeper fan engagement.
Tuned Global Sees Community as the Future of Streaming
The discussion took place during a panel titled “The Future of Streaming in the Superfan Era.”
Janishia Jones, CEO and Founder of Encore Music Tech Solutions, moderated the session.
She was joined by Con Raso, CEO and founder of Tuned Global, Brian “Z” Zisook of Audiomack, and Jordan Pettinato from SoundCloud.
Industry research suggests that about one in five listeners qualifies as a superfan. Together, they generate most of the music industry’s spending.
The panel also distinguished superfans from casual listeners or social media followers.
According to Zisook, superfans invest both their time and money by buying merchandise, attending concerts, joining fan clubs, and collecting physical albums.
Read more: Tuned Global Executives Join Music Biz 2026 Panels
Platforms Create New Ways for Fans to Engage
The panel agreed that streaming platforms should offer more than music playback.
They should also encourage fans to participate through remixing, playlist creation, promotion, collaboration, and community interaction.
Raso highlighted Tuned Global’s Social Radio as one example.
The feature allows listeners, artists, and DJs to host live shows that combine music mixing, commentary, and audience participation.
The panel also explored badges, leaderboards, and patronage programs. These features reward active fan engagement.
They also help artists build stronger relationships with their communities.
Tuned Global Looks Ahead to a More Social Streaming Era
Raso argued that streaming platforms should focus on building communities instead of trying to manufacture them.
He pointed to Line Music in Japan, one of Tuned Global’s clients, as an example of how community-driven engagement can succeed.
The service lets users select a limited number of favorite artists and earn badges that reflect the strength of their support.
Those badges also unlock benefits such as merchandise and meet-and-greet opportunities while allowing fans to showcase their loyalty within the community.
The conversation later shifted to music discovery.
Panelists agreed that streaming services should do a better job of promoting local artists instead of prioritizing global hits.
Raso drew on Tuned Global’s experience supporting streaming platforms in markets such as Greenland, Mongolia, and Egypt.
He said local music often performs exceptionally well when listeners have a fair opportunity to discover it.
Streaming Enters a More Social Era
The panel concluded that streaming platforms will continue to evolve beyond simple music consumption.
As social features become more important, the line between listening and creating content will continue to fade.
Streaming services are expected to place greater emphasis on community, fan participation, and cultural relevance.
Those areas will help shape the next generation of digital music experiences.