Big changes at Napster: they’re ditching music streaming for AI-driven experiences.
Once synonymous with peer-to-peer file sharing, Napster has experienced yet another transformation. The platform, once a household name in the music streaming world, has announced it will no longer operate as a music streaming service. Instead, it’s pivoting toward becoming an artificial intelligence platform aimed at reinventing how users create and enjoy music.
This surprising shift marks a significant departure from its original model, which, launched in 1999, allowed users to download music for free. Napster was at the forefront of a massive transformation in the music industry, albeit one that drew the ire of many artists. The backlash from musicians like Metallica and Dr. Dre resulted in legal battles that ultimately led to Napster’s initial bankruptcy in 2002.
In March 2025, the platform underwent a revival when it was acquired by Infinite Reality for $207 million. However, that reinvention appears to have fallen apart recently, leading to the abrupt cessation of streaming services without any prior notice. Users had been actively engaged with the platform when they were suddenly greeted by a splash screen announcing the change.
“Napster is no longer a music streaming service. We’ve become an AI platform for creating and experiencing music in new ways,” the message explained. The company acknowledged that the transition may frustrate longtime users who had built extensive playlists, but offered an export feature to ease the migration of their collections.
Last year, a private investor reportedly pledged about $3 million to sustain Napster, but by November, that funding appeared to have disappeared. CEO John Acunto, who took the reins after the acquisition, indicated in a shareholder email that the company had been a “victim of misconduct.” This situation has drawn the attention of both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice, both of which have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the vanishing investment.
As Napster moves away from streaming, questions remain about how it will redefine its role in the music industry. The platform that once democratized music access is now exploring the integration of AI in music creation, possibly setting the stage for a new era. While many hope this shift will lead to better opportunities for artists and listeners alike, the fallout from its previous model still looms large.
