Imeem Collaborates With Universal Music Group

Social networking site Imeem has signed a deal with record label Universal to allow free streaming of music and videos on the site in return for a share of advertising revenues.

The partnership will allow Imeem to carry full-length music and videos by Universal music acts which include popular artists like Snow Patrol, The Pussycat Dolls, Eminem, and Amy Winehouse. Imeem will enable users to stream but not download an unlimited number of songs and videos and share ad revenues with Universal.

Imeem, which was launched in 2004 started business by offering instant messaging and file-sharing software. It later evolved into a social networking website also providing audio-video music. Since July 2007, it has partnered with Warner Music, Sony-BMG, and EMI for music and video content.

According to Comscore, Imeem’s unique visitors have increased by 712% between October 2006 and October 2007 making it the fastest growing social networking site. It currently has 18 million active users.

Doug Morris, chairman and chief executive at Universal Music Group said: “Universal Music Group is committed to exploring new ways for consumers to discover and enjoy our artists’ music online. Imeem has developed an innovative way to make our artists’ music a central part of the social networking experience.”

In contrast, Universal sued another popular social networking site MySpace in November 2006 for copyright infringement accusing it of not withholding users who violate copyrights by uploading music videos on the site.

Recently, MySpace unveiled a suite of services as a part of MySpace Music 2.0 initiative. According to Reuters, this initiative will feature videos of artists participating in the MySpace studios and performing select songs and conducting interviews.

Source: ComputerWire daily updates