Winamp, the iconic Windows music player that made waves in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is undergoing a transformation to compete in the streaming industry. Teaming up with Deezer, an independent music streaming platform, Winamp is set to launch a new subscription model using Deezer’s technology and music library in early 2027.
The revamped platform will offer users access to a wide range of music from the streaming library, as well as their local files and internet radio stations. Additionally, users will have the option to customize their interface using “skins,” a popular feature from the original music player.
Despite its decline in popularity due to the rise of streaming services, Winamp remains available for download, with over 40 million active users still utilizing the desktop version. Originally introduced by Nullsoft in 1997, Winamp quickly gained a following as a leading music player for Windows computers, boasting 60 million users by 2001.
Alexandre Saboundjian, CEO of Winamp Group, expressed excitement about the upcoming changes, stating, “Twenty-five years ago, we changed the way people listened to digital music, and we believe the time has come to challenge the listening experience once again.”
While Winamp has attempted to enter the streaming market previously, with promises of a mobile app in 2019 that never materialized, the company is determined to make a comeback. Following its acquisition by AOL in 1999, Winamp faced challenges that allowed competitors like Apple’s iPod to gain ground in the music player market.
Known for its customizable interfaces, Winamp has preserved its legacy through a dedicated “skin museum” showcasing fan-designed layouts from its early days. Despite facing closure in 2013, Winamp was saved by the Llama Group, enabling it to explore new ventures such as music NFTs and mobile apps.
As Winamp prepares to launch its streaming service, details on pricing and specific features are yet to be revealed. While some fans are excited about the potential return of Winamp with modern offerings, others are hesitant about the introduction of a subscription model to a beloved music player known for its free accessibility.