Full Breakdown
Winamp Announces 2027 Streaming Relaunch Through Deezer Partnership
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Announcement
Winamp Group disclosed that it will launch a new music-streaming service in early 2027, built on Deezer’s white-label technology and catalogue. The platform will combine Deezer’s streaming library with users’ local files, internet radio stations, and customizable “skins,” a hallmark of the original Winamp player. Pricing details and supported devices have not been released.
Background & Context
Nullsoft released Winamp in 1997, and the Windows-based player quickly became a dominant way to play digital music, reporting 60 million users in 2001. AOL acquired Nullsoft in 1999 for an estimated $80–100 million US, but cultural clashes and poor management led to a decline, allowing competitors such as Apple’s iPod to dominate. AOL scheduled the service for shutdown at the end of 2013, but Belgium-based Radionomy (later rebranded Llama Group and now Winamp Group) purchased the brand, keeping the desktop player alive. Winamp’s source code was briefly published on GitHub in September 2024 before being removed after licensing controversies. Earlier revival attempts—including a 2018 promise of a “more complete listening experience” and mobile apps launched in 2023-2024—did not materialize into a full streaming service. The Deezer partnership sidesteps earlier integration hurdles by bundling Winamp’s interface with Deezer’s licensing infrastructure from day one.
Official Statements & Responses
The announcement also notes that Winamp still sees “more than 40 million people” actively using its desktop version.
Data & Statistics
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Alexandre Saboundjian, CEO of Winamp Group