If Winamp served as your favorite music player in the past, this update should bring a sense of nostalgia. The company has revealed a collaboration with Deezer to incorporate streaming services into its upcoming player. The refreshed music player is scheduled to launch during the first half of 2027.

How the new Winamp player will evolve

Through this deal, Deezer supplies its white-label streaming tools along with an extensive worldwide music library. This setup allows Winamp to introduce its own premium subscription service under its brand.

A key advantage is that Winamp will retain the elements that defined its appeal. Local music collections, online radio, podcasts, and personal cloud storage will remain integrated, placed next to the streaming options within a single interface.

Winamp plans to include a flexible user interface and new social tools in one comprehensive app, avoiding the need to switch between multiple programs. CEO Alexandre Saboundjian notes the aim is to gather all listening preferences in a single spot while honoring the familiar Winamp brand.

Can this Winamp revival succeed where earlier attempts fell short?

This question carries weight given past events. Winamp launched an artist-centric update in 2023 that failed to connect with users. In 2024, it made source code available publicly, but licensing disputes halted those efforts.

Saboundjian has outlined similar ideas before, including a 2019 announcement to combine music, podcasts, and radio after the 2014 acquisition.

Winamp believes current conditions differ due to actual streaming capabilities rather than surface-level changes. With more than 40 million active users of the free desktop version, the platform retains a dedicated audience.

Whether this loyalty converts to paid users will determine success, yet longtime supporters may view this as a meaningful return.