Amazon launches a Clubhouse competitor that turns everyone into a DJ

Image: Amazon

Amazon is launching a new app called Amp that is more about listening to music than talking.

Anyone who signs up will be able to host their own live show, with the ability to stream tens of millions of licensed songs from the big three record labels. The goal is to turn any user into a radio DJ who can talk to guests and program a playlist.

Anyone can listen to full-length songs as long as they sign up for Amp, which is free.

Image: Amazon

Amazon is positioning this as more of a radio-style service than a live chat service, which is probably for the best. The live audio space already has a big presence in it, and Facebook is taking a crack at it as well. None of them have the agreements in place that Amazon has, and so those services have focused on conversations between hosts and guests. Amazon has a chance to allow hosts to do things that are very different and give everyone a chance at being a college radio DJ.

To encourage people to watch, Amazon is putting on some celebrity hosts. Some of the artists who will be streaming on Amp include Pusha T, Tinashe, and Big Boi. Amazon hasn't said when they will be on. There won't be monetization incentives for non-celebrity hosts at launch, but Amazon hopes to add features that will encourage creators in the future, according to Rebecca Silverstein of Amp.

Amazon is highlighting that it put some work into moderation ahead of launch, which is something apps don't always do. The service already has comprehensive community guidelines in place and will be able to review reports and act on violations of its policies.

The service is launching today, but it has a limited alpha. It's only available on the iPad, and there will be a waiting list to gain access. It is only available in the US for now, which is likely due to the complexity of music rights. It could be difficult to scale this across the globe.

Amp looks a lot like the club at the end of the day. It is difficult to negotiate that competitors will not be able to recreate it overnight, and the addition of free music could be a compelling draw.