Each week (well most weeks), we look at a social network beyond My Space, Facebook and YouTube.  IMVU qualifies as our first look at a virtual world, but we have selfish reasons.  We are very excited to see the music companies line up to create a social music network within IMVU.

For years the music companies have avoided, fought, bullied, turned a blind eye to everything that was new that would save their business.  Instead they fiercely protected their traditional business that was rapidly declining.  The IMVU deal is a great step in the right direction.

Let’s take a look at IMVU.  IMVU starts with its chat function.  You download the software similar to other IM programs.  Except in IMVU, you create a 3D Avatar to chat with.

From there, you can create a profile for your Avatar.  You can decorate your page similar to a room and dress your Avatar.  IMVU encourages creativity and sharing.  You can create art, dress, and other items to share with the community.   It is free to join.  Items can also be purchased.

Music can be played and shared amongst your profile and others.   Music can also be downloaded and play via MP3 players and your IPod.  The major labels joined the service which is nice, but IMVU did not leave out the independents like My Space did.  Many independent distributors were included - even my fav CD Baby.

Anxious to see how this develops.  IMVU is in public beta, but claims 20 million users.  This could be a great development for artists.