Winamp, which once boasted a large user base during the MP3 era, is preparing to return to the streaming market. The company has announced a partnership with Deezer, which will provide the underlying technology and a globally licensed music library for Winamp's upcoming paid music subscription service.

Deezer provides technology and music library.

According to the arrangements disclosed by both parties, Winamp will use Deezer's white-label technology to build its subscription service, but the front-end branding and user experience will remain under Winamp's control. This means that Winamp will not become a direct mirror image of Deezer, but will re-enter the music subscription market under its own brand.

The new media player is targeting the first half of 2027.

This collaboration is part of Winamp's latest reboot plan. Both parties stated that the next generation of Winamp Player is expected to launch in the first half of 2027, with the goal of integrating streaming music with users' existing audio content into a single application.

• Paid streaming music
• Local music library and personal cloud collection
• Other audio sources such as internet radio and podcasts

Facing competition from a mature streaming market

Winamp's return faces a real challenge: the music subscription market is already dominated by large platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Whether users are willing to continue paying for a new subscription service remains to be seen.

However, Winamp states that its free desktop media player still has over 40 million active users. This existing user base is a crucial foundation for its re-entry into the market.

From Web3 to creator tools

Winamp has shifted its direction several times over the past few years. During the Web3 boom, the company experimented with introducing NFT functionality, allowing users to link music-related NFTs to their players. Even earlier, Winamp had proposed a cross-platform mobile audio application plan.

Recently, the company has clearly shifted its focus more towards creator services, launching a series of tools for musicians covering monetization, fan interaction, and music distribution. This collaboration with Deezer indicates a return to its core focus on the player and subscription service itself.