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# Facial Recognition Music Videos
Usher's 'Chains' Video Stops Playing When the Viewer Looks Away

By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-10-22 | Pop Culture
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chains-video
References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/10/ushers-chains-music-video-tidal-dont-look-away-social-injustice.html) & [chains.tidal](http://chains.tidal.com/)

Nas and Usher's latest collaboration resulted in the incredibly innovative 'Chains' video that uses [facial-recognition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-ring-familiar-faces) to play when viewers stare into the eyes of victims of racial injustice.

A viewer must simply enable the camera on their computer, positioning themselves so that the technology can read and track the movement of their eyeballs. When users look away or switch to another screen, the song will stop, providing an [interactive experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facial-gesture-control) -- a first for music video design. During the song, multiple victims like Sean Bell come on the screen, while the video flashes, "While racial injustice keeps killing, society keeps looking away."

Released on the [music streaming subscription site](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mood2music) TIDAL, this video provides users with an exclusive experience. A political, social and entertainment feat, the 'Chains' video paves the way for the interactive potential of new media.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.4/10
- Popularity: 51% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Facial Recognition-enabled Content:** Opportunity for content creators to implement facial recognition technology to deliver personalized, interactive experiences.
- **Interactive Music Videos:** Emerging trend of music videos incorporating interactive elements for a unique viewing experience.
- **Political and Social Awareness in Entertainment:** Increasing demand for meaningful, socially conscious content in the entertainment industry.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Music Streaming:** Opportunity for music streaming platforms to differentiate themselves by offering exclusive, interactive content.
- **Video Production:** Potential for video production companies to specialize in creating interactive music videos.
- **Facial Recognition Technology:** Growing need for facial recognition technology in the entertainment industry to deliver personalized experiences.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Artist-Backed Joint Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-is-a-melody.md)
- [Facial Movement Game Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gameface.md)
- [Motion-Powered Songs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motionpowered-song.md)
- [Eye-Directional Streaming Softwares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-contact.md)
- [AR-Fueled Musical Camera Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minibeats.md)
- [AI-Generated Cognac Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usher-x-1738-ai-powered.md)
- [Staring Contest AR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blink-break-1.md)
- [Motion Tracking Eye Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magtrack.md)
- [Eye-Tracking Privacy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privacy-apps.md)
