Google+, the social networking platform from Google, launched in the summer to selected users on an invite only basis, and went public in September. As an indie artist, the service has a lot of features that are worth checking out, including Circles, Sparks and notably, Hangouts.

Hangouts are is essentially a group video chat, with at most ten participants at a time. Hangouts can be public, so anyone can see one in their stream and join in. As an indie artist, imagine the possibilities. Here are some suggestions for you to use Hangouts to your advantage:

• Collaborate: You’re working on a new song but your writing partner is in LA. You’re in New York. Now, you can collaborate – with both audio and visual– and bring on your bassist, drummer and lead guitarist to provide insight, as well.
• Virtual concerts: Want to treat your most hard-core fans to something really special? How about offering them a virtual concert? You can sit in the comfort of your own home – and so can they—as you bring them a unique viewing experience.
• Virtual residency: What if you told your fans that once a week at a set time you’d perform brand new songs and they’d be the first to hear them by joining your hangout? As a musician, it’s a great way to try out new material and reward your biggest fans with something special.
• Inspiration: Hangouts are also now integrated into YouTube, so you can watch videos simultaneously with friends. This gives you a great way to review music videos of your own, or by other artists and talk about your ideas while watching. You can critique, create and collaborate all at once.
• Anytime, anywhere: Mobile Hangouts are currently up and running, with Android 2.3+ devices with front-facing cameras (and iOS support is coming soon). Imagine the possibilities!
• Edit Documents: Hangouts with Extras, currently in a preview state, will allow users to share documents, share a scratchpad and share their screens with other users. This could take writing music to a whole new level.

Google+ and Hangouts provide artists with a great tool for collaboration and innovation, all at no cost. Give it a try and see how you can best utilize Hangouts.

Up next: SongCast Success story!

The SongCast Crew