6 sources·Business

Infinite Reality Acquires Napster for $207 Million to Transform Music Streaming

Infinite Reality has purchased Napster for $207 million, aiming to create a social music platform with immersive experiences and enhanced artist-fan engagement.

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  1. Napster, now a streaming service, sells for $207m to Infinite Reality

    A brand that was notoriously connected to music piracy before re-emerging as a subscription music service, has been sold to Infinite Reality for $207m.

    Napster, now a streaming service, sells for $207m to Infinite Reality

    The GuardianThe Guardian·25d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. Napster sold to tech commerce company for $207 million

    The tech startup announced Tuesday it had bought Napster in hopes of transforming the streaming service into a social music platform where artists can connect with fans and better monetize off their work.

    Napster sold to tech commerce company for $207 million

    Associated PressAssociated Press·1M
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. Napster sold to tech firm Infinite Reality for $207 million

    The sale and revamp arrives at a complex time for tech and streaming services, as many young consumers are pulling back from pricey streaming subscriptions amid inflation and recession fears, turning to ad-supported free services or amateur digital content creators.

    Napster sold to tech firm Infinite Reality for $207 million

    Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times·1M
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  4. 'Napster? Is it 1999?' Millennials react with disbelief at $207 million sale.

    Even with its ups and downs, the company left its mark on modern media distribution — it was Daniel Ek's inspiration for Spotify — and the former piracy platform has since transformed into a modestly sized business that now plays by the rules.

    'Napster? Is it 1999?' Millennials react with disbelief at $207 million sale.

    Business InsiderBusiness Insider·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. Napster Is Still Worth Over $200 Million? In 2025?

    Napster, the music streamer that you probably remember as a short-lived file-sharing service, is actually worth something in 2025.

    Napster Is Still Worth Over $200 Million? In 2025?

    New York PostNew York Post·1M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  1. The Guardian
  2. Associated Press
  3. Los Angeles Times
  4. Business Insider
  5. New York Post
Updated: Mar 25th, 2025, 9:46 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Infinite Reality has acquired Napster for $207 million, planning to reimagine it as a social music platform. CEO Jon Vlassopulos emphasized the need for evolution in streaming, aiming for immersive 3D concert experiences and enhanced artist monetization. Musicians will benefit from better analytics and a marketplace for digital and physical merchandise. Launched in 1999, Napster was initially known for music piracy, later transitioning to a subscription service under Rhapsody in 2011. With this acquisition, Infinite Reality hopes to revive Napster's disruptive legacy in the music streaming industry, amid user skepticism about the brand's future.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

  • Napster has changed ownership and aims to transform from a traditional music streaming service into a more interactive social platform for artists and fans.

  • The acquisition symbolizes a shift in the music industry, reflecting the ongoing evolution of technology and its applications in entertainment.

  • This initiative is expected to enhance artist monetization and improve fan engagement through innovative features like virtual concerts.

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History

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  • 25d