MySpace challenge iTunes for music downloads

4th April 2008

Social networking site MySpace has launched a new music download service where users can purchase their favourite songs, albums and mobile ringtones.

MySpace Music will rival Apple's successful iTunes music store, with Universal, Sony BMG and Warner all signed up to provide content.

Users of MySpace will be able to download music tracks through the profile pages of more than five million musicians on the popular website. They will also be able to buy concert tickets and band merchandise.

Since its launch five years ago, iTunes is believed to have sold more than four billion songs and now captures more than 70 per cent of music download sales in the US.

MySpace bosses are hoping to pocket some of these sales with their new service and the music industry has welcomed their arrival on the market, believing it will create better competition and result in increased choice for music fans.

Since its launch in 2003, MySpace has sought to act as a platform for new musicians and had been credited with launching the careers of several artists, including Lily Allen and the Arctic Monkeys.

Meanwhile the social networking site has signed a deal with film company Warner Brothers to carry movie adverts on its mobile internet websites.