Take yourself back a few years (or decades) and remember a band you really fell in love with. Whether they were an up-and-coming group or an international sensation, they connected with you in a way that was hard to describe. They didn’t just get you, they got to you emotionally. They were your jam.

Now imagine that the band you loved reached out to you and asked you to be in their next music video. You. Not an actor. You, and a bunch of other fans who love what they do. Years ago, that would have been an impossible dream.

The Social Connection: Bringing Fans Together

In today's digital age, social media is the ultimate tool for connecting people across the globe. Recognizing this, Durand Jones & the Indications kickstarted their project with a heartfelt Facebook post, accompanied by a captivating video. With a call to arms, they reached out to their 63,000 followers, inviting lowriders, car clubs, DJs, bikers, and anyone who loved their music to contribute their footage.

The Power of Authenticity

Social is the way brands, bands, families, and friends stay connected. It’s easy. It’s instant. It can reach people in the same town or on the other side of the world. So it was a natural way for Durand Jones & the Indications to start the call to arms.

Keeping the Momentum

With a simple, heartfelt Facebook post, accompanied by a short and sweet video, the band started the buzz with their 63,000 followers.

“We’re calling all lowriders, car clubs, DJs, bikers, ANYONE who loves this tune!! This is your time. Send us footage of you enjoying the song, cruising to the song, singing the song, and we’ll put it all together in the official fan version.”

That was the kick-off. The response from fans was immediate and enthusiastic:

You just can’t manufacture that kind of authenticity with paid influencers doing it for a paycheck and a bunch of free goodies. Several other Facebook posts kept the fans engaged; a smart social strategy to keep the promotion top of mind.

Simplifying the Process with Cinebody

With the fans firmly on-board, the band turned to Cinebody to do the heavy lifting. Fans could simply download the app and get filming. That was it. No extra equipment. No complex submissions. Nothing else was needed except their smartphones and their unique perspectives.

Fan Collaboration in Action

As the fans filmed, the footage was sent through Cinebody, a crowdsourcing tool, where it could be reviewed, curated, and edited into the final film. Easy. Accessible. Awesome. And if the band wanted to see something they weren’t quite getting, they could relay that request back to the fans immediately.

A Fan-Driven Success

The final film was shared with fans to rapturous comments and feedback:

And of course, because the fans were in the video, they were even more compelled to share it with the world.

So, what’s the lesson here?

That fans matter. Fans are the reason talented bands become household names. And fans are actively ready to help, not for money, but for the love of the music.

If fans aren’t in your content strategy in 2020, you’re missing out on a goldmine of amazing footage.

In conclusion, the era of fan participation in music videos is here, and it brings immense opportunities for bands to create meaningful, authentic content. Durand Jones & the Indications' innovative approach serves as a testament to the power of fan engagement, paving the way for future collaborations between artists and their devoted fan communities.