Bebo users connect direct to itunes

Tuesday, 12 June 2007 08:52

One of the world's largest social networks connects its users directly to iTunes' catalogue of over 5 million songsBebo offers a new holistic music experience where users will be able to discover, share, purchase and enjoy music legitimately from iTunes in a user-friendly manner

The new service will offer record labels and artists fantastic opportunities to build fan bases and directly generate and track new revenue streams

Bebo, the leading social networking site, today announced that it is actively promoting legal music downloads amongst its 8.8 million users in the UK and Ireland by offering a superior music download experience coupled with exclusive and exciting content offers and competitions.As of today, Bebo users will be able to buy music direct from the profiles of any musician who has a Bebo profile and whose music is available on iTunes, the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store. With up to 450,000 musicians registered on Bebo, this creates a unique and compelling music experience where users can discover new music and artists can build direct relationships with individuals, while being paid for their art. Each week Bebo users will be rewarded with a free digital download aimed at introducing them to promising new artists or releases. "Free Single Saturday" will be promoted throughout the Bebo site and will build on the massive success of the iTunes Single of the Week, which has helped to establish the careers of the likes of Scott Matthews, Mika, James Blunt, Paolo Nutini and Kate Walsh. Bebo and iTunes will work together on multiple levels to create similar innovative marketing platforms which will help record labels and artists connect more closely with the Bebo audience, helping them to promote new and developing artists and turn popularity within a social network into direct revenues. Joanna Shields, President, International at Bebo said: "The inclusion of iTunes is fantastic for Bebo users, offering them access to the world's most popular music download service directly from the site. Bebo Bands will also benefit hugely from the deal, helping unsigned artists get discovered, and established artists to attract more fans and sell more records." Luke Bevans, Head of Digital at Mercury Music Group said: "Amy Macdonald has been championed by Bebo from her very first London gig. We're thrilled to take her involvement with Bebo to the next level and that she will be the first artist involved in 'Free Single Saturday' through iTunes. We believe that Amy's track, 'Youth Of Today', taken from her forthcoming album 'This Is The Life' out July 30th, will be a real hit with Bebo's audience."

About Bebo

Founded in 2005, Bebo (www.bebo.com) is a thriving social network of highly engaged individuals who want to express themselves, discover their passions and connect with like-minded users.  More than 33 million members worldwide, have joined the Bebo community, making it the largest social network in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand and one of the top 3 social networks in the US, Canada and Australia.  Over 95% of Bebo users are under the age of 35 and the site is one of the fastest growing on the Internet, with 5 users signing up each second. Bebo is also one of the world's most engaging websites, ranked #3 in the UK after Google and MSN*.  Bebo was named as the number one search term in the Year-End Google Zeitgeist 2006. *Source: comScore World Metrix