Winamp's revival includes platforms for musicians and fans

Winamp's plan to regain relevance includes more than just updating its audio software. Musicians can use a creator service that gives them tools to distribute, promote and make money from their work. Features will be unlocked in September and fan subscription support will debut in November. It looks like a platform for music, with different tiers for special content.

Only 25,000 people are invited. They will get a year of free access to tools and a Creator Pass that will include Winamp's llama.

Winamp's signature player software might not be ignored. Improvements to the client will be paralleled by the service roll outs. Winamp said the aim is to create a music superapp.

Winamp could benefit from the creator service and retooled software. There are challenges. Many people listen to Apple Music and other first-party streamers. Even if they don't get rewards, they won't turn to outside software and services.