Winamp, a previously popular music player for Windows, is undergoing a transformation to compete in the streaming industry. The iconic music player, which made waves in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has announced a collaboration with Deezer, an independent music streaming service. This partnership will enable Winamp to introduce its own subscription model utilizing Deezer’s technology and music library.
The revamped platform is scheduled to launch in early 2027, offering users access to a wide range of music from the streaming library, as well as the ability to play local files and internet radio stations. Users will have the option to customize the interface using “skins,” a nostalgic feature from the original music player that fans adore.
Despite facing challenges during the rise of streaming services, Winamp remains available for download, with over 40 million active users still utilizing the desktop version. Originally developed by Nullsoft in 1997, Winamp quickly became a popular choice for storing and playing digital music files, boasting 60 million users by 2001.
CEO Alexandre Saboundjian expressed excitement about the upcoming changes, stating that Winamp aims to redefine the music listening experience. While the company had previously attempted to enter the streaming market, plans for a mobile version in 2019 did not materialize as promised.
AOL’s acquisition of Nullsoft in 1999 for an estimated $80-100 million marked a turning point for Winamp. Despite its early success, internal conflicts and mismanagement led to missed opportunities, allowing competitors like Apple’s iPod to gain ground in the market.
Winamp’s legacy lives on through its customizable skins, which represent a period of creativity in open-source design. The “skin museum” online archives various layouts created by fans for the music player’s early versions.
After narrowly avoiding closure in 2013, Winamp was acquired by Radionomy, later rebranded as Llama Group and then Winamp Group. The company made several comeback attempts, including ventures into music NFTs and the launch of a mobile app for Android and iOS in 2023 and 2024.
Details about pricing for the upcoming streaming service are yet to be disclosed. Some fans have expressed concerns about Winamp’s shift towards a subscription model, with the premium option set to be integrated into the desktop player upon the new platform’s launch.