There are plenty of instant messaging apps available at the moment. We have WhatsApp, Viber, BBM, Skype, WeChat, KakaoTalk, Line, and so on. With so many apps available, how does one choose which service to use? Well all these companies must differentiate themselves in some way and with Line, the company is hoping a music streaming service will entice users over to its app.
The company has recently announced Line Music. This is a new venture which will see Line partner with record labels Avex Digital and Sony Music Entertainment. The plan was originally announced back in October, but we guess the plan has progressed further since then. The service has yet to officially launch, but the company has mentioned that they are preparing the groundwork.
Will Line’s efforts be successful? Well the company has a huge following in Asia, especially countries like Thailand where Line merchandize based on the characters are sold in stores across the country. The company has also expanded to other apps like photography apps where users can add stickers to liven up their photos.
However in streaming business, Line will have to compete against the likes of Spotify, iTunes Radio, Pandora, Rdio, Beats Music, and so on, most of whom have the backing of all the major labels, so with Line only having two labels backing them, it might seem like a disadvantage, but either way we’ll have to wait and see how this plays out, but what do you guys think? Does Line Music stand a chance?