Winamp is making a major comeback with plans to launch a completely redesigned music player in the first half of 2027, powered by a new strategic partnership with music streaming platform Deezer.
The collaboration will allow Winamp to introduce its own premium music subscription service using Deezer’s white-label streaming technology and extensive global music catalog. Rather than directing users to Deezer’s app, the streaming service will be fully integrated into the next-generation Winamp Player under the Winamp brand, creating what the company describes as a native Winamp experience.
Unlike traditional music streaming platforms, the new Winamp Player aims to become a central hub for all types of audio. Alongside premium streaming, it will support local music libraries, internet radio stations, podcasts, personal cloud-based collections, and other audio sources within a single customizable interface. The player will also introduce new social features and fresh ways for users to discover, organize, and enjoy their favorite music.
Winamp says its goal is to reinvent the music player for the streaming era. While streaming services have transformed music consumption over the past decade, the company believes the overall music player experience has seen little innovation. With the new platform, Winamp hopes to challenge that status quo much like it did more than 25 years ago when it became one of the world’s most recognizable media players.
The partnership will also benefit existing users of the classic Winamp desktop application, which the company says is still actively used by more than 40 million people worldwide. After the new platform launches, the desktop player will gain access to Winamp’s premium music subscription service powered by Deezer’s streaming infrastructure.
“Winamp has always been about giving users the freedom to experience music their own way,” said Alexandre Saboundjian, Chief Executive Officer of Winamp Group. “This partnership with Deezer gives us access to world-class streaming technology and one of the richest music catalogues in the world, allowing us to focus on building a unique product that brings together everything users want to listen to in one place.”
Thierry Ascarez, Chief Business Officer of Winamp Group, described the agreement as more than a technology partnership, saying it brings together two companies with a shared passion for music innovation while creating a completely new listening experience rather than simply another streaming service.
Julien Delbourg, Chief Commercial Officer at Deezer, said the companies share similar histories in shaping digital music and that Deezer will provide the technology, global music catalog, and streaming expertise needed to support Winamp’s vision for its next-generation player.
Winamp plans to reveal additional details and previews of the redesigned player in the coming months ahead of its expected launch during the first half of 2027.
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Winamp Returns to Streaming With Deezer Partnership, New AI-Powered Music Player Coming in 2027
