Facebook to Compete Tooth-and-Nail with iTunes?

[Mr. Mayor]

Insiders at Facebook have leaked that they are investigating the possibility of their very own music store... Which would, in effect, be direct competition for iTunes.

It is interesting that they have recently launched their Facebook Music service, which allows you to follow artists and buy the music via iTunes. This might have been the 'seed' that has got Facebook execs thinking.. 'Hey, lets cut out iTunes and put up our own store! More money for us!'. I'm sure the discussion was more in-depth than that, but you get the picture.

Any way you slice it, Facebook is reportedly in talks with major labels to offer unique content of their own. The deal is rumored to include free ad-backed streaming audio similar to what you see on MySpace profile pages. Also, paid MP3 downloads would be available and usable on any OS.

What do you think? Facebook is certainly used by millions and millions and millions... They have the audience and leverage to give something like this a shot in my opinion. They key will be, what can they do to make it better, easier and more unique than iTunes? Or do they even care... Put up a good store backed by many labels, and start taking chunks out of the market Apple has dominated for the past while!?

[via electronista]

[roalgumo7]

Hmmm... I still think iTunes store will be way better, and still have more users, facebook should just stick with the social networking...

[quitecontrary1977@hotmail]

facebook has gotten pretty huge.. and you can't stay on top forever, itunes!

[Sam DaCool]

yeah i think iTunes would still win unless Facebook invented a cheaper and easier way of purchasing music, music videos, TV episodes, etc. because most people are already accustomed to iTunes. Plus "Facebook Music" probably wouldnt be transferrable to peoples iPods/iPhones.

[alex.stef]

Facebook would be successful if they would do something original

[jliufromtheblock]

Facebook will have too much competition in order to succeed. I love it, don't get me wrong, but with iTunes and the Zune music stores (the name fails me right now...) will always be more successful.

[BobMarley]

Hmmm, Facebook just surpassed Myspace in users, but even with that title, I don't think music would work.

[alex.stef]

Originally Posted by BobMarley

Hmmm, Facebook just surpassed Myspace in users, but even with that title, I don't think music would work.

really? I didn't know that Facebook has more users than MySpace

[chadaw]

Honestly, I hate myspace. I have one only to stay in touch with people that do not have a facebook account. I love facebook because you can stay in touch with your friends in a more business orientated way. (Well at least once you set it to ignore invitations to join all the little groups).

[roalgumo7]

Originally Posted by chadaw

Honestly, I hate myspace. I have one only to stay in touch with people that do not have a facebook account. I love facebook because you can stay in touch with your friends in a more business orientated way. (Well at least once you set it to ignore invitations to join all the little groups).

I agree here. Facebook is also "cleaner" in my opinion.