Have you ever dreamed of hosting your own radio show full of licensed tracks from the biggest artists? Amazon now offers users the ability to do just that, and best of all, it's currently free, though you may not have access to it right away.
Amp is a new app that just launched a limited-access beta for iPhone and iPad users in the US that will allow you to host and listen to live user-created radio shows. Once a user has signed up, decided on the show he wants to host, and created a music playlist, he's ready to hit the stage and show off his DJ skills.
The music library available at launch will include a catalog of "tens of millions of songs licensed from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and a long list of independent music companies," according to an Amazon blog post. . So whether you're into R&B or synthwave disco, you're sure to find a wide selection of tracks to showcase.
Now we come to the bad news. Unfortunately, you will need a unique code to join the beta and participate as an Amp creator or listener. To get one, you'll need to join the App Store waitlist, sign up for the Amp newsletter, or follow @onamp_ social accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok and keep an eye out for code drops.
Those of you on Android and outside of the US will probably have to wait a bit longer. Amazon has yet to announce a specific date when the app will be available on the Play Store and abroad, but we've reached out to see if we can get more information. If we hear anything, we'll be sure to update this page.
Analysis: A brilliant new rival for Clubhouse
Amp isn't the first live podcasting app/audio-only social platform to launch. Clubhouse is the first thing most people will think of, but its massive popularity has, in turn, spawned the likes of Spotify's Greenroom and Twitter Spaces, among many, many others.
However, Amazon may be on the verge of winning here with its own radio version of the medium.
For creatives who want to talk about music, Amp gives them a whole new way to talk about their love of genres and artists that deserve more attention, without needing to get a slot on a professional station.
It will also give people from wider backgrounds the opportunity to develop hosting and radio DJ skills as well as open up a host of creative opportunities with Amazon saying that marketing support and creative programs are coming soon.
Even if you plan to talk about the latest sports news or blockbuster movies, creators will be able to add a level of prestige and uniqueness to their broadcast by using the music they love, rather than having to rely on any unlicensed tracks. . can find on the internet.
As Amp develops, we may even see some of its tools expand to other Amazon-owned brands. Twitch creators have been playing fast and free with copyrighted music and content on their live streams for quite some time. With the relationships Amazon is developing through Amp, Twitch streamers will soon have an officially sanctioned way to play licensed tracks on their shows.
We'll have to wait and see what the future holds, but Amp could help create amazing new opportunities for creators online, so we'll be sure to pay close attention to Amazon's next step in this project.