Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

Napster to become a music-marketing metaverse firm after $207M acquisition

Mar 25, 2025 - arstechnica.com
Infinite Reality, a media, ecommerce, and marketing company specializing in 3D and AI-powered experiences, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Napster for $207 million. Originally launched in 1999 as a peer-to-peer music file-sharing service, Napster is set to be transformed into a social music platform focused on active fan engagement in the metaverse. The Norwalk, Connecticut-based Infinite Reality aims to enable artists to connect with, own, and monetize their relationships with fans through this revamped platform. Jon Vlassopulos, who became Napster's CEO in 2022, will continue in his role.

Napster, which has been a legal streaming service since 2016, boasts over 110 million high-fidelity tracks and offers features like offline listening and music videos. Infinite Reality plans to leverage Napster's existing licenses and Algorand's blockchain expertise to enhance the platform. The company envisions offering branded 3D virtual spaces for virtual concerts and social listening parties, along with gamification elements. Additionally, Infinite Reality intends to provide musicians with tools for selling tickets, merchandise, and exclusive digital content, as well as AI-powered customer service and analytics to better understand fan behavior.

Key takeaways:

  • Infinite Reality has agreed to acquire Napster for $207 million, aiming to transform it into a social music platform focused on active fan engagement in the metaverse.
  • Napster, originally a P2P music file-sharing service, has been operating as a legal streaming service since 2016, offering over 110 million high-fidelity tracks.
  • Infinite plans to use Napster to offer branded 3D virtual spaces for virtual concerts, social listening parties, and other immersive experiences, along with gamification elements.
  • Artists on Napster will have access to AI-powered customer service, sales, and community management tools, as well as enhanced analytics dashboards to better understand fan behavior.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!