From Engadget · Luke James · · 1m 40s
Winamp returns in 2027 with Deezer streaming
The legendary MP3 player is coming back as a premium streaming service, partnering with Deezer to compete in the modern music market.
In brief
The legendary MP3 player is coming back as a premium streaming service, partnering with Deezer to compete in the modern music market. Winamp is launching a subscription streaming service in 2027 powered by Deezer, marking its first major comeback attempt since failed promises in 2018. Originally reported by Engadget.
Winamp returns as streaming player
The iconic MP3 player from the pre-streaming era is making a comeback in 2027 as a premium subscription service, partnering with Deezer for streaming technology and music licensing.
“Winamp will be reborn as a completely new player with its own premium subscription service”
New player keeps classic app alive
The new streaming player will launch alongside the original Winamp desktop app, which still has over 40 million active users worldwide. Both versions will eventually offer the Deezer-powered subscription.
“The original still has more than 40 million active users worldwide”
Deezer needs white-label deals
Deezer's partnership subscriptions fell by 800,000 users year-over-year to 3.1 million in the first half of 2026, with revenue dropping 7.6 percent. The company is rebuilding this business segment through white-label arrangements like Winamp.
“Deezer reported a decline in new subscriptions from partner deals in its first half 2026 financial results”
Each side gets what it needs
Winamp has no music licenses or streaming infrastructure, while Deezer lacks a major consumer brand for its white-label program. The partnership lets Winamp retain ownership of its product and branding while Deezer handles the technical backend.
“Each side brings what the other needs”
Winamp promised this before
In 2018, Winamp's CEO promised a streaming revival for 2019 that never arrived, relying on third-party integrations that were never announced. The new Deezer partnership avoids that problem by bundling Winamp's service with Deezer's infrastructure from day one.
“That streaming-friendly revival planned for 2019 never came”
Details coming in coming months
Winamp has not yet announced pricing or supported platforms, but promises a subscription model that's fundamentally different from today's streaming services. The company will offer a customizable interface, social features and new music discovery tools.
“a subscription model that's "fundamentally different" from today's streaming services”
Here's the gist
Winamp is launching a subscription streaming service in 2027 powered by Deezer, marking its first major comeback attempt since failed promises in 2018.
