Why Insta needs less drop videos

If you’re on social media and you follow any number of DJs from across a multitude of genres, you’ll be aware of the drop video. A phenomenon that has arisen post-pandemic, these clips show peak moments in a DJ’s set to drive hype and engagement.

Sadly, these videos are not a true representation of the DJ set, which often has moments of steady flow, smooth transitions and more immersive rhythmic energy. Drop videos give a skewed view of DJ sets and here’s why Insta needs less of them…

THEY PERPETUATE A MISLEADING IDEA OF RAVES

If you’re being exposed to one drop video after another through your phone, you can’t help but have a subconscious expectation for peak moments whenever you go out. This cultivates a one-dimensional viewpoint that relies on big drops, rather than the more realistic multifaceted nature of most DJ sets.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE DROP

DJ sets are typically diverse, with many twists, turns, ups and downs. A lot of DJs build their sets, with consideration of the energy, selection and direction of the music they’re playing. Drops are all good, but they’re not the be all and end all of a set.

MORE PRESSURE ON THE DJ

30 seconds to one-minute-long video clips do nothing to represent the reality of a DJ set. This can put more pressure on DJs to satisfy the demand for drops and peak moments, rather than playing as they would like to, and building a real journey.

CULTIVATES SHORTER ATTENTION SPANS

To have a truly fulfilling experience of a DJ set, you need to be committed and attentive, allowing yourself to become immersed with their selections. When you’re only concerned with raving from one peak moment to the next, you can lose that powerful (and perhaps transformative) connection to the music.