5 Ways to Stay Entertained Online

The internet is packed with everything from movies to learning resources and ways to start your business. However, what if you just want to relax, have some fun, or maybe dabble in a hobby?

If you want to play the most fun games online, learn a new language or skill, or sit back and binge-watch a new TV series, the internet has it all.

Streaming

Streaming has exploded over the past few years. Before, the only real streaming options were SoundCloud and a couple of other services. Nowadays, there is a streaming service for everything and everyone’s needs.

Netflix has emerged as the leader of streaming. It has a vast library that covers several genres, including full seasons of popular TV shows. Netflix has also made its mark with its large number of original series.

The platform is stacked with comedy specials and Netflix movies, but their original TV series and movies are where they shine. Numerous documentaries about music, festivals, and bands give you an in-depth look into how your favorite musicians lived and grew to be successful.

In the world of music and podcasts, Spotify is the standout service to use. They have both free and paid subscription options, with the free option having more adverts. It is home to all the most prominent artists and hundreds of thousands, if not millions of songs.

Spotify has also become the home of podcasts. There are hundreds and hundreds to choose from, with episodes available to be saved for later if you don’t have the time to listen to them.

Learning

The internet has opened us all to new ways to learn and more resources to make it happen. If you don’t want to binge-watch a TV show and instead want to learn something new or improve a skill, the internet is for you.

Websites such as Udemy offer inexpensive courses created by professionals that work in the field or want to learn a new skill. They have hundreds of courses designed by music experts to help you learn and understand music.

If you want to learn to play the guitar, how to DJ, or write music, Udemy will have a course for you. There are also tons of classes for all levels of ability, meaning no matter how much or how little you know, there is still a course for you.

Gaming

Gaming is one of the most popular ways to spend time online. There are so many games now that require an internet connection to play, but what you get in return is hard to match.

Dance Dance Revolution is still one of the classic dancing/music video games. The object is simple, using a Dance Dance mat, you have to match the steps that are shown on screen. Dance to some of your favorite songs, and some of the classics.

While it is a bit older now, DJ Hero was the game to play if you wanted to live out your DJing dreams. Follow the instructions on the screen and create some incredible songs and mixes in the comfort of your home.

Beat Saber is one of the newest and most popular music-based games. Using a virtual reality headset and controllers, players have to slice beat cubes to create music. Think of it as a virtual reality Guitar Hero.

Speaking of Guitar Hero, there is no music game with more expansions around. You can play classic rock, pop, hits from the 70s, 80s, the Beatles, and everything in between. Once again, the games are a bit older now, but they are most certainly just as fun as they once were.

Digital Events and Concerts

Digital events have exploded in popularity over the past few months, with many artists and creators selling tickets to one-off events that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. These shows can range from unplugged events, a music stream, or even a complete, choreographed performance.

There has never been a better time than now to see some of your favorite musicians put on shows online, sometimes even over Twitch. Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park has become famous for his live streams.

He spends hours creating music, asking viewers for suggestions, and creating whole songs before your eyes. While this concept isn’t new, the amount you can listen to and learn from streams like Shinoda’s is incredible.

Be Productive

If you are a music lover or someone getting into music, countless apps can help you improve your skills and musical knowledge. Some are relatively simple, while others are much larger and complex.

Simply Piano is ideal for the piano players out there. Users will open the app and put it down next to their piano, and then start playing. The app will then offer feedback and let you know where you can improve.

Yousician is sort of like Duolingo but for musicians. The app has over 1500 missions and tasks for you to complete and caters to the piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele. It also has lessons on musical theory to give you a deeper understanding of the chords and how to create music.

Voice Training is for the singers out there. Created in collaboration with a professional singing teacher, the app is designed to mimic a singing class, with a piano guiding your pitch and several vocal exercises to improve your singing.

Garageband is an app that any iOS users may have forgotten they have. The app is packed with tools and different instruments to let you mess around a bit and create full beats and songs. Considering it is on your phone, you can think of it as a music studio in your pocket.

As you can see, if you have an internet connection, there is no reason to be bored. You can watch movies, learn, play games, or even make money. The internet allows you to read new ideas and gain a voice for your own. No matter how much time you spend online, you have not discovered its full potential just yet.