Today’s internet is sometimes referred to as Web 2.0. We have moved from reading content on the internet, to creating it ourselves. Few websites have been able to transform the web to this new way of thinking. Websites like Facebook and Twitter jump to mind, however YouTube has given the world something that the others have not. Uploading and sharing videos that are immediately accessible to everyone in the world has forever changed the internet. YouTube is continuing its groundbreaking move by announcing it will host its own music awards this year on November 3.

No Surprise

To most of the world it should come across as being a logical step for the website. Everyday artists upload videos to the sharing site in an attempt to gain new fans and make their break into the industry. Without YouTube it is questionable if Justin Bieber would have his current status in the world, or if anyone outside of South Korea would have the slightest idea who Psy is. While YouTube might not be challenging the Grammys or MTV just yet, it is a step towards yet another empowerment of the internet generation. Backed by Google, YouTube has the money and the power to pull strings in the music and entertainment world.

The Show

Awards will be handed out to artists based on a number of different metrics and in different categories. For instance, the award for the most YouTube views and most shares will be handed out. The award show will be hosted by actor Jason Schwartzman and will be held in New York City at Pier 36. Not all of the details have been handed out just yet, however announcements regarding tickets to the live event are expected to come shortly. At this point, it has been announced that Eminem, Lady Gaga, CDZA, Lindsey Stirling and Arcade Fire are all set to perform at the event.

To celebrate the international community that YouTube has grown over the years, taped performances will be shown from artists all over the world. The full lists of nominations for the awards are set to be announced later this month. In the true sense of Web 2.0, winners will be chosen by the YouTube community through the use of a fan voting system. YouTube has not yet announced what the trophies will look like, although there is plenty of speculation on the web.

If you cannot make it to New York for the show, it will of course be streamed live on YouTube for the entire world to see. Make sure to direct your web browser to YouTube on November 3 to see just who wins, and go to YouTube.com to take a look at which of your favorite artists have been nominated for the awards. Once this information is available to the public you will be able to open the voting and help ensure that your favorite musical artists, be in Psy or someone still unknown, is represented in New York City for the first ever YouTube music awards show.