Deezer

Deezer
Web address www.deezer.com
Commercial? Yes
Type of site
 Music, Search, & Community
Registration Optional
Available in Multi-lingual
Owner Blogmusik SAS
Launched 22 August 2007
Alexa rank
 negative increase 814 (April 2014)[1]
Current status Active

Deezer is a web-based music streaming service. It allows users to listen to music content from record labels including EMI, Sony, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group on various devices online or offline. Created in Paris, France, Deezer currently has 35 million licensed tracks[2] in its library, over 30,000 radio channels, 16 million monthly active users, and 5 million paid subscribers as of 6 November 2013.[3]

History

In 2006, Daniel Marhely developed the first version of Deezer, called Blogmusik, in Paris. Its idea was to give unlimited access to music lovers through streaming technology.

The site in its original incarnation was charged with copyright infringement by French agency SACEM, and after being shut down in April 2007[4] was relaunched as Deezer in August, having reached an agreement with SACEM to pay copyright holders with revenue from advertising on the site[5] and by giving users the ability to download songs streamed on Deezer from iTunes, with Deezer receiving a commission from each purchase.[4]

Launch

At the time of its launch in 2007, Deezer had not yet negotiated agreements with major music labels and therefore offered a limited catalogue.[4] It took more than two years for agreements to be signed with the four largest labels, as well as various smaller ones, but by 2011 the company had rights to about eight million songs.[4] During August 2007, its first month of operations, Deezer saw about 773,000 visitors to its site, with traffic increasing rapidly in the next several years—2.75 million people used the service in May 2008, and there were seven million users by December 2009.[4]

Despite high traffic, Deezer almost immediately ran into financial problems—during the first half of 2008, the company saw revenue of just 875,000 euros, not enough to pay its licensing fees.[4] In July 2008, the company began running ads itself through advertising agency Deezer Media; in October, Deezer secured $8.4 million in funding from AGF Private Equity and CM-CIC Capital Prive, bringing total investment in the company to $15.8 million.[6] The company introduced mandatory registration in February 2009 to gather more precise data on users, in order to run more targeted ads, and in November 2009 began running audio ads between songs.[4]

On 5 November 2009, Deezer launched a new three-tier service model. While continuing basic free web streaming, the company also introduced two subscription services—users paying €4.99 monthly received higher-quality music without ads, and users paying €9.99 monthly gained access to downloadable applications for computers, as well as Android, BlackBerry, and iOS mobile devices.[7]

In January 2010, the company's CEO and co-founder, Jonathan Benassaya, was replaced as CEO by Axel Dauchez, after fewer than 15,000 of Deezer's 12 million users signed up for its subscription services.[8] In August 2010, mobile operator Orange partnered with Deezer in a deal to include free access to Deezer Premium, the highest tier of Deezer's streaming packages, with some of Orange's telecommunications contracts in France.[9] Almost immediately after the partnership began, the rate of users signing up for Deezer's premium services went from 6,000 a month to 100,000; by January 2011, 500,000 people were subscribing to the service, with the million-subscriber mark reached in the middle of 2011, half a year ahead of schedule.[4] The two companies expanded their partnership in September 2011 to include Orange contract customers in the United Kingdom.[10] Also in September, Deezer added Facebook integration to its service, allowing users to send music to one another via that social media service.[11]

Expansion to more countries

On 7 December 2011, Deezer, at the time available only in Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom, announced plans to expand worldwide during the rest of 2011 and continuing into 2012.[12] According to the company, it planned to make its services available to the whole of Europe by the end of the year, to the Americas (excluding the United States) by the end of January 2012, to Africa and Southeast Asia by the end of February, and the rest of the world (excluding Japan) by the end of June.[12]

It took until 15 March 2012 for service to be available across the whole of Europe,[13] while service launched in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand on 25 April.[14] On 8 June, Deezer announced availability in 35 Latin American countries, though not in Brazil, Cuba, or Venezuela.[15] On 15 August, Deezer announced it would be available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand within several weeks.[16]

On 8 October 2012, Deezer announced that it had received $130 million in funding from Access Industries, to be used for further international expansion.[6] Two days later, the company announced that it had expanded into 76 new markets, bringing its worldwide total to 160 countries.[17] On 21 December, Deezer announced a new service level offering two hours of free, ad-supported music streaming a month, available to users worldwide, the company's first free music streaming service outside of France.[18] CEO Axel Dauchez said that Deezer was also looking for a partner to introduce service in the United States, who was "able to provide us with a significant volume of subscribers" to help offset what he called the "unbelievably high" costs of entering the US market.[18]

As of December 2012, Deezer had about three million users paying for subscriptions, out of a monthly active user base of about seven million, with 20 million songs in its library.[19] By 2016, according to CEO Axel Dauchez, the company aimed to have five percent of the global music market.[19]

In January 2013, Deezer announced its expansion into 22 new countries across Africa, Asia, Brazil, the Middle East, and the, United States, bringing its total to 182.[20][21]

After expansion

Following this expansion, Deezer announced in 2013 partnerships with LG, Samsung, and Toshiba that saw Deezer apps made available on smart TV platforms,[22] along with a new brand identity developed in association with the illustrator mcbess.[23]

Since then, Deezer has made a number of announcements, including its Developer Reward Scheme, mobile App Studio, and API upgrades,[24] a new, exclusive beta version of its mobile app for Android users,[25] and the new Deezer app for Windows 8.[26]

April 2013 also saw Deezer update its iOS app with a new smart caching feature, allowing the app to identify and remember a user's most played tracks, even in areas of poor network coverage.[27]

In April 2014, Deezer added a new feature known as "Flow". "Flow" takes one's existing music library and combines it with their past streams, for non-stop music tailored just for the user. Deezer also updated its mobile application to allow free mobile streaming for everyone, regardless what subscription plan one subscribed to on Deezer.

In April 2014, Deezer announced that its current CEO, Axel Dauchez, would be leaving the company in September, "to pursue a new professional opportunity". The announcement also noted that Deezer’s U.S. CEO, Tyler Goldman, was joining the company’s management team composed of founder Daniel Marhely, COO Christopher Coonen, and board chairman Didier Bench. The company also announced that they aimed to launch Deezer in the US in 2014.

In June 2014, Deezer announced a new partnership with Samsung giving Samsung Galaxy S5 users in Europe a free, six months Deezer Premium+ subscription. Later on, Samsung and Deezer extended its partnership by offering a six month, free of charge subscription to Deezer Premium+ for Samsung's Multiroom Wireless Audio Products, including its M5 and M7 line of Multiroom wireless audio speakers.

In June 2014, Deezer and Google announced that the Google Chromecast would be supporting Deezer's Android and iPhone apps to allow users to stream their music from their phone over to their televisions through the Chromecast. Chromecast support became available to Deezer Premium+ users from 25 June onwards in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

In September 2014, Deezer announced Deezer Elite, a new exclusive service made for and in partnership with Sonos. Deezer Elite provides High-Resolution Audio (HRA) to U.S. users of Sonos Hi-Fi Systems. The service will be available to worldwide Deezer and Sonos users.[28]

In October 2014, Deezer rolled out a new user interface for its website player. This new change in design was widely welcomed by numerous users.[29]

In October 2014, Deezer announced that Bose SoundTouch and SoundLink products would now be supported for Deezer Premium+ service. This partnership will first be rolled out in the U.S. and then will be available to worldwide users.[30]

In October 2014, Deezer announced that Stitcher Radio would be merging into Deezer. By 2015, Deezer users will be able to use Stitcher Radio features within Deezer.[31]

In December 2014, Deezer and Pepsi announced a partnership to set up the Midem Artist Accelerator to support managers and labels as they grow the profiles of their artists.[32][33]

Availability

As of September 2013, the service was available in 182 countries.[34] A list of countries can be found on Deezer's developer website.[35]

Features

Catalogue

As of April 2014, the catalogue provided access to approximately 30 million songs searchable by artists, albums, genres, labels, and titles, and gave users access to tracks from many major and independent labels. However, some artists opted not to be available on Deezer, and some artists are missing in certain regions because of record label licensing restrictions.

Available while traveling

While users are traveling internationally, their subscription remains available wherever they are. All their albums, friends, and playlists come with them.

Equalizer

Deezer for Android comes with Android's own built in software equalizer. Deezer updated its iPhone app with an equalizer, which allows users to change the sound of the music with Deezer's various presets - from electronic and classical to treble and bass booster.

Crossfader

Deezer's website allows users to crossfade between songs. Deezer recently updated its iPhone app with a new crossfader. Deezer has planned to launch the Crossfader function into its Android app sometime soon.

Deezer App Studio

Users can access applications integrated in the Deezer Website and Deezer Mobile app, written in HTML5. Third-party software writers can offer features related to music listening such as live sharing of concerts, lyrics, music reviews, and playlists. Current apps include Clash Music, Cubic.fm, Deutsche Grammophon, edjing, Mentor.FM, Shuffler.fm, Soundrop, TuneWiki, and others.

Explore

The Explore function allows users to go their own way and explore by genre to discover new releases, Deezer picks, and recommended albums.

Flow

This new feature allows users to create an instant and personal radio channel based on what is in their music library and what they have been listening to by just pressing the "Flow" button. Flow looks at the music in one's library and what one has been listening to, and puts together a music mix for them. Flow is available on Deezer's website and Mobile apps.

Follow Artists

Users can keep up with their most-loved artists by adding artists to their library to be the first to know about new releases, exclusive tracks, gigs, and recommended playlists.

Google Chromecast support

In June 2014, Deezer and Google announced that the Chromecast would support Deezer's Android and iPhone apps, allowing Android and iPhone users to stream their music from their phone over to their televisions through the Google Chromecast.

Hear This

Hear This allows users to discover music they love with a music feed that's powered by their listening habits, favorite tracks, and Deezer's own editors.

HQ Audio Quality

Deezer allows users to choose between HQ (320kbit/s) and Normal (128kbit/s) audio quality. In June 2014, Deezer launched HQ Audio for its Android and iPhone users, as well.

Last.fm integration

In January 2012, Last.fm announced that Deezer would integrate with Last.fm, allowing users to send songs from Deezer to their Last.fm account and "scrobble" them.

LiveBar

The Livebar lets users to discover music by following their friends in real time. Friends can hear tracks one is listening to, see albums and playlists added to one's library, and send messages to other users.

My MP3

Deezer allows users to upload their own MP3 files onto Deezer Servers. As compared to other music streaming services that have a similar MP3 upload function (such as Google Play Music), Deezer is the only online music streaming site that allows unlimited uploads of MP3 Files onto their servers.

Offline Mode

Premium users can sync their favorite albums and playlists to their mobile device to listen even without an Internet connection. This is useful when, for example, one is underground or on an airplane.

Playlists

Users can create and share playlists or edit them together with other users. Downloaded playlists auto-update if the author adds or removes tracks. Like normal links, playlist links can be used everywhere. The same principle also works for single tracks, which can be dropped on applications and websites at will. Many websites support sharing of Deezer playlists and songs and let users share, rate, and discuss them.

Radio Stations & SmartRadio

The SmartRadio feature is an artist based radio channel which automatically generates songs from a selected artist and similar artists. Users can also listen to any of the 30,000 radio stations available live on Deezer. Every Radio Station has a theme with it.

Social media integration

Deezer allows registered users to integrate their account with existing Facebook and Twitter accounts. Once a user integrates their Deezer account with other social media profiles, they are able to access their friends' favorite music and playlists. Additionally, Facebook compatibility allows Deezer users to share music with Facebook friends through the use of the service's inbox. Deezer users are able to send tracks or playlists to friends who, in return, are able to access this music through their Deezer account. When using Deezer through one's Facebook account, music stories appear on Facebook feeds alerting one's friends to the music and playlists one is currently listening to. These feeds feature a play button that automatically starts the song or album in Deezer.

Accounts and subscriptions

As of September 2014 there are three Deezer account types.[36]

Name Price Ads Unlimited Streaming Offline Mode TV, Hi-Fi, radio & in car support Google Chromecast support High-Quality Sound (up to 1,411 kbps) Mobile devices support
Discovery Free Ad-Supported Unlimited Not Supported Not Supported Not Supported No Higher audio quality support Available on mobile devices (Only Playlist Radio, Flow and Artist Radio features)
Premium+ 9.99 $/month, 9.99 €/month; 15-day free trial None Unlimited Support Available Support Available Support Available Higher audio quality (up to 320 kbps) Available on mobile devices
Elite 14.99 €/month None Unlimited Support Available Not Supported; Available only on Sonos systems Not Supported Higher audio quality (up to 1,411 kbps) Available on mobile devices

Available devices

In addition to its website, www.Deezer.com, Deezer is available via:

Concerns over Android application

The "Deezer Music" Android app asks for permissions such as "read sensitive log data", "retrieve running apps", "delete apps", "power device on or off", which has raised concerns over user privacy. In comparison, the Spotify app does not ask for such permissions.[37]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Deezer.com Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
  2. ↑ http://www.deezer.com/company
  3. ↑ Summers, Nick. 6 November 2013. TheNextWeb "Deezer unveils a Mac app and new music discovery features after reaching 5m paid subscribers"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 "Deezer: Profitability Down the Line?". INA Global. 19 August 2011. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  5. ↑ "Exclusive: BlogMusik To Go Legit; Launches Free & Legal Music On Demand". TechCrunch. 21 August 2007. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Deezer’s Expansion Plans Get a Boost". Wall Street Journal. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  7. ↑ "Digital music startup Deezer debuts desktop client, premium offering". TechCrunch. 5 November 2009. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  8. ↑ "Post bloodletting, Deezer appoints a new CEO". TechCrunch. 28 January 2010. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  9. ↑ "Orange brings Deezer Premium to its customers". Screen Digest. 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  10. ↑ "Deezer takes on Spotify with Orange deal". Financial Times. 7 September 2011. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  11. ↑ "Deezer enters realm of Facebook". Telecompaper. 23 September 2011. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Deezer plans to launch music service in 200 countries by June 2012 (but not in the US and Japan)". TechCrunch. 7 December 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  13. ↑ "Deezer now covers all European countries from Iceland to Russia (46 countries).". The Next Web. 15 March 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  14. ↑ "Spotify rival Deezer continues its worldwide expansion with launch in Canada, Australia and New Zealand". The Next Web. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  15. ↑ "Music streaming service Deezer goes live in 35 Latin American territories today". The Next Web. 7 June 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  16. ↑ "European Music Streaming Service Deezer Heads to Asia; Partners With Telco dTac In Thailand". TechCrunch. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  17. ↑ "Deezer's streaming music service now available in 160 countries, US market 'not ready'". The Verge. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Spotify Rival Deezer Eyes U.S. .". Wall Street Journal. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Deezer’s CEO Axel Dauchez On Cracking Into The U.S. And Why It’s Not Just Another Spotify". TechCrunch. 9 October 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  20. ↑ "Deezer Takes On Spotify With Expansions In Middle East, Africa, Brazil And Asia". TechCrunch. 28 January 2013.
  21. ↑ Deezer compte se lancer aux Etats-Unis en 2014, Challenges, 20 November 2013
  22. ↑ "Deezer is bringing its streaming music service to smart TVs, via deals with Samsung, LG and Toshiba". Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  23. ↑ "McBess draws for Deezer". Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  24. ↑ "Music streaming service Deezer adds third-party app discovery to smartphones, updates its API". The Next Web. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  25. ↑ "Deezer for Android gets redesign, predictive search function in new beta version". Engadget. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  26. ↑ "Deezer launches Windows 8 app for its on-demand music streaming service ahead of Spotify and Rdio". The Next Web. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  27. ↑ "Deezer adds ‘smart caching’ to its iOS app". Music Ally. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  28. ↑ http://blog.deezer.com/exceptional-audio-quality-with-deezer-elite-and-sonos/
  29. ↑ http://blog.deezer.com/our-smart-new-look/
  30. ↑ http://blog.deezer.com/u-s-music-fans-can-now-enjoy-deezer-premium-via-bose-products/
  31. ↑ http://www.stitcher.com/blog/?p=1588
  32. ↑ Green, Tim (9 January 2015). "Deezer: bring on the competition, there are 3.47bn more streaming music consumers to go round". Hot Topics. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  33. ↑ "Midem, Pepsi, and Deezer team up for 'artist accelerator'". musically. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  34. ↑ Monday, 28 January 2013 (2013-01-28). "Deezer Takes On Spotify With Expansions In Middle East, Africa, Brazil And Asia". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
  35. ↑ Deezer for developers. Developers.deezer.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-30.
  36. ↑ "Subscription Plans". Deezer.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  37. ↑ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=deezer.android.app

6 million paying subscribers as of March 2015.

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External links

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