A popular Windows music player, Winamp, 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 revealed a new collaboration with Deezer, an independent music streaming service. Through this partnership, Winamp will introduce its own subscription model utilizing Deezer’s technology and music library.
The revamped platform, expected to be launched in early 2027, will enable users to access music from the streaming library as well as from other sources such as local files and internet radio stations. Users will have the ability to personalize their interface using “skins,” a nostalgic feature from the original music player.
Although Winamp had receded from the spotlight during the rise of streaming services, it remains available for download, with over 40 million active users still using the desktop version. Originally developed by Nullsoft in 1997, Winamp quickly gained popularity as a preferred music player for Windows computers, boasting 60 million users by 2001.
Recognized for its slogan “Winamp, it really whips the llama’s ass,” Winamp set itself apart with its speed, efficiency, and style, outshining its competitors in the MP3 player market. The CEO of Winamp Group, Alexandre Saboundjian, expressed the company’s intention to innovate the listening experience once again, highlighting its legacy of transforming digital music consumption.
Despite previous attempts to enter the streaming arena, including promises of a mobile version in 2019, Winamp faced setbacks in delivering on these plans. Following AOL’s acquisition of Nullsoft in 1999, internal conflicts and mismanagement hindered Winamp’s progress, allowing competitors like Apple’s iPod to gain momentum.
For many enthusiasts, Winamp’s customizable skins symbolize an era of creative expression. An online “skin museum” preserves a variety of user-designed layouts from the music player’s early days. Despite AOL’s plan to discontinue Winamp in 2013, the platform was saved from closure by the acquisition of Radionomy, later rebranded as Llama Group and then Winamp Group.
After exploring music NFTs, Winamp made comeback attempts in 2023 and 2024 with initiatives for artist-fan interactions and the release of a new mobile app. While details on pricing for the upcoming streaming service are scarce, the prospect of a user interface adorned with characters from “Lord of the Rings” has sparked interest among fans. However, not all fans are enthusiastic about the introduction of a subscription model, as some Reddit users expressed a preference for the classic Winamp experience.