Toronto-based music messaging company Rithm has been licensed by all three major labels, as well as indie reps Merlin and The Orchard, to launch a new US $3.99-per-month streaming service.
The result is Rithm’s a new premium tier, Rithm Gold, which allows users to stream full tracks in their chats and create an on-demand playlist.
As you’d expect for a budget price, the selection of tracks is limited but hardly tiny – users have access to a catalogue of 7 million songs to choose from.
Rithm will continue to operate its free (ad-supported) tier where users can share unlimited 30-second song clips, but not full tracks.
Rithm has also partnered with major artists such as Steve Aoki, Migos, Zeds Dead and The Chainsmokers to provide music fans with exclusive artist emojis and other exclusive content and virtual goods in the platform.
Rithm says that its “goal is provide the best social music experience for music fans, at a price that is affordable”.
It has been likened to WhatsApp and Snapchat by commentators, and will rival fellow music messaging app Boomio – which has been licensed by Sony and Universal but not Warner.
Mike Wagman, Rithm’s co-founder and CEO (pictured), said: “We are excited to be bringing an engaging social music experience, with a vast music catalogue, to our community. Consumers are hungry for a music experience that makes it fun and easy to share and play music with their friends and with the community.”
Rithm is available on iOS and Android. After signing up, all users are being given a free 14-day trial of Rithm Gold.
At the expiration of the free trial, users can subscribe for $3.99 a month to continue the full track streaming experience or stick to the free (ad-supported) tier of the service.Music Business Worldwide
