Last.fm is ending its subscription radio service as it focuses on keeping track of what users listen to in other streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
“From 28th April, our subscription radio streaming service will come to an end. This means subscriber radio will no longer work on any platform or device. We’re making this change to focus on improving scrobbling and recommendations, while continuing our goal of being your #onemusichome,” the company announced in a statement on its website.
The service is still available for free in the United States, Germany, and the U.K. Meanwhile, access to the website’s radio feature requires a subscription in Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
The company will continue to offer a subscriptions package. To compensate for taking out radio, Last.fm is introducing a tag filtering function. “Filter your recommended station by ‘rock’ and discover the next Jim Morrison,” the company said in its announcement. It is also giving subscribers a 30 percent discount for everything in its upcoming merchandise store.
Some features such as personal stations will remain. However, the music will be sourced through YouTube or Spotify instead of Last.fm’s own servers, thereby absolving the company from paying music licensing fees.
