Winamp transforms into a streaming platform inspired by OnlyFans and Patreon

The new generation Winamp positions itself as a alternative to subscription content platforms, focusing on music and podcasts. The goal is to bridge the gap between artists and fans by providing tools that facilitate (almost) direct financial support and more intimate interactions.

Fanzone: an OnlyFans for musicians

The main innovation of the platform is the “Fanzone”, a kind of “OnlyFans for musicians”. Artists can offer privileged access to their tracks and albums, collectible items in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other bonuses for subscribers.

“We definitely want to preserve and satisfy the community,” said Thierry Ascarez, Winamp’s commercial director. “But we also want to adapt and offer something to the new generation.”

According to the company, the Fanzone will allow “creators to become better merchants and market their products, by developing subscription plans at different levels”. Winamp will receive 15% of the amount of each subscription made on the platform and, after the first year, will charge $55 to artists who remain on the service.

Upcoming integration with Spotify

Soon, the platform will allow users to connect their Spotify accounts to the software, giving them access to their playlists. The integration is planned for the last quarter of the year, but it is not yet clear if it will also allow music playback.

Despite the expansion of subscription platforms in the music industry, the classic Winamp remains in operation. The most recent version of the software was released in August 2022 and, although it is no longer as popular as it once was, it remains useful for listening to downloaded tracks on a computer.