Mainstream vs. Indie: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Mainstream refers to what's widely accepted or predominant in society, while Indie is often related to independent productions or endeavors without major commercial backing.
Key Differences
Mainstream typically denotes ideas, products, or cultural trends that are widely accepted, predominant, or typical in society. Indie, on the other hand, derives from "independent" and usually refers to productions, music, films, or other endeavors that operate outside the major commercial systems or industries.
In the realm of media and entertainment, Mainstream often implies mass appeal, catering to a broad audience. Conversely, Indie creators or producers often emphasize artistic expression, originality, and niche appeal, even if this means forgoing the potential for large-scale commercial success.
Financial backing differentiates Mainstream and Indie significantly. Mainstream projects typically have significant financial backing, often from major studios, labels, or corporations. In contrast, Indie projects are generally funded on tighter budgets, sometimes through crowdfunding or personal investments.
While Mainstream offerings can sometimes be seen as formulaic or conventional due to the safer approach of major investors, Indie projects often take creative risks. This distinction, however, isn't absolute; there are Mainstream works with high artistic value and Indie works that achieve commercial success.
Both Mainstream and Indie have their unique strengths and audiences. While Mainstream dominates in terms of sheer numbers and mass appeal, Indie offers diversity, fresh perspectives, and can challenge prevailing norms.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Dominant cultural norms
Independent of major commercial systems
Audience
Broad audience
Often niche or specific
Financial Backing
Large corporations/studios
Self-funded, small investors, crowdfunding
Artistic Risk
Typically lower due to commercial aims
Higher, with emphasis on unique expression
Typical Perception
Mass appeal, commercial
Artistic, original
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Mainstream and Indie Definitions
Mainstream
Having mass appeal or designed for a broad audience.
Superhero movies are a mainstream genre in Hollywood.
Indie
Pertaining to independent art, cinema, or music.
The film festival showcased several indie movies.
Mainstream
Conforming to or within established norms.
His political views are quite mainstream for his region.
Indie
Independent, especially from large corporations.
She released her music on an indie record label.
Mainstream
Widely accepted or practiced.
Yoga has become mainstream in modern wellness culture.
Indie
Emphasizing originality and individuality.
Her unique fashion sense is very indie.
Mainstream
Dominant in thinking or cultural trends.
Digital payments are now a mainstream method of transaction.
Indie
Funded or produced by individual or small-scale efforts.
The indie game developer launched a successful title on his own.
Mainstream
Relating to large-scale commercial industries.
He signed a contract with a mainstream music label.
Indie
Not being part of mainstream commercial systems.
He prefers indie bookstores to large chains.
Mainstream
The prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity
"You need not accept the nominee's ideology, only be able to locate it in the American mainstream" (Charles Krauthammer).
Indie
One, such as a studio or producer, that is unaffiliated with a larger or more commercial organization.
Mainstream
Representing the prevalent attitudes, values, and practices of a society or group
Mainstream morality.
Indie
An artistic work produced by an independent company or group
"[His film] showed that indies could ... take in millions at the box office" (Liesl Schillinger).
Mainstream
To integrate (a student with special needs) into regular school classes.
Indie
Of, relating to, or being an indie
An album of indie rock.
An indie film company.
Mainstream
To incorporate into a prevailing group.
Indie
Independent; from outside the mainstream.
An indie pop group
An indie video game
Mainstream
Used or accepted broadly rather than by small portions of a population or market.
They often carry stories you won't find in the mainstream media.
Indie
An independent publisher.
Mainstream
The principal current in a flow, such as a river or flow of air
Indie
A work released by an independent publisher.
Mainstream
That which is common; the norm.
Ideas outside of the mainstream
Indie
A type of rock music, generally soft-style without screaming or aggression, mixed with synthesized music and electronic.
Mainstream
(transitive) To popularize, to normalize, to render mainstream.
Indie
A person who listens to indie music and follows indie fashion.
Mainstream
(intransitive) To become mainstream.
Indie
A pop group not affiliated with a major record company
Mainstream
To educate (a disabled student) together with non-disabled students.
Indie
(of pop groups) not affiliated with a major recording company
Mainstream
The prevailing opinion or practise; as, the doctor avoided using therapies outside the mainstream of modern medical practice.
Mainstream
TO place (a student) in regular school classes; - used especially of mentally or physically handicapped children.
Mainstream
The prevailing current of thought;
His thinking was in the American mainstream
FAQs
Is "Indie" always independent of major labels or studios?
Typically, yes, but some "Indie" projects may get backing later on.
Does "Mainstream" always mean it's popular?
Generally, yes, it implies broad acceptance or appeal.
Do "Mainstream" movies only cater to popular genres?
Mostly, but there are mainstream movies in diverse genres.
Does "Mainstream" always imply lack of quality?
No, "Mainstream" denotes widespread appeal, not necessarily quality.
Can "Indie" works have large budgets?
While rare, some indie projects can have significant funding.
Are "Indie" films only found at festivals?
No, they're often at festivals but can be elsewhere too.
Are "Mainstream" products always more expensive?
Not necessarily. Prices vary based on production costs and branding.
Are all "Mainstream" media products commercially successful?
No, while they aim for wide appeal, not all achieve it.
Can an "Indie" artist become "Mainstream"?
Yes, many indie artists transition to mainstream success.
Can "Indie" music be on popular platforms?
Yes, platforms like Spotify or Apple Music host indie music.
Is "Indie" limited to entertainment?
No, "Indie" can refer to any independent endeavor or business.
Is "Mainstream" media always biased?
Not inherently, but any media can have biases.
Is "Indie" synonymous with niche?
Often, but not always. Some indie works gain broad appeal.
Why do some artists choose to remain "Indie"?
For creative control, authenticity, or personal preference.
Can "Indie" authors publish on large platforms?
Yes, platforms like Amazon allow indie authors to publish.
Can "Indie" products be found in regular stores?
Yes, many stores carry a mix of mainstream and indie products.
Can "Indie" projects collaborate with larger entities?
Yes, some indie projects partner with larger entities for distribution or marketing.
Are "Mainstream" trends always fleeting?
No, while some are temporary, others become enduring cultural shifts.
Do "Mainstream" works have artistic value?
Absolutely. Many mainstream works are artistically acclaimed.
Are "Mainstream" views always majority views?
Typically, yes, they reflect dominant or widespread opinions.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
