Napster Makes a $200 Million Comeback?!

The former peer-to-peer piracy hub is now a social music platform

Napster is back. Yeah, you read that right. The mecca of illegal file-sharing in the late ‘90s has been acquired by Infinite Reality for $207 million. At this point, you’re probably confused and trying to adjust your calendar.

According to Variety, Infinite Reality said Napster will become “a social music platform that prioritizes active fan engagement over passive listening” and will let artists “connect with, own and monetize the relationship with their fans.”

How are they planning on doing this?

Infinite Reality’s ideas include creating branded, 3D virtual spaces for virtual concerts and social listening parties as well as selling merchandise, digital content and event tickets. And something about using AI for customer service, sales and community management.

Okay, before we get into all this, let’s go back in time.