Amazon launches Prime Music service in India alerting its competitors

Though Amazon had brought its Prime service to India 18 months ago, it was devoid of the free music and video streaming services. Amazon added the Prime Video months later, but it was taking time to make the music service ready for the market.

As per news sources, Amazon has partnered with five labels for India, including Sony Music. Previously, the music service was limited to those in India who owned an Echo device but now it can be accessed by Prime customers via the web and apps for iOS and Android.

Prime membership in India is Rs 999 per year, or around $15, which is pretty favorable as against the competition - Saavn (Rs 1050), Gaana (Rs 1020), Times Internet’s Gaana (Rs 1020) and Apple Music (Rs 1200). On top of that, Amazon customers get the video service and Prime e-commerce details. Amazon Music will also have an edge over its competition, as the Amazon Prime membership gives access to video streaming, free delivery from Amazon’s e-tail space on select items, and now the ad-free music service as well.

Amazon’s timing is pretty interesting, coming as does just hours after Gaana announced a big $115 million funding round that sees $500 billion Chinese internet giant Tencent join as an investor. It isn’t impossible that Amazon planned its launch for today in a bid to steal the limelight.

Amazon has strengthened its investment in India, which stands at nearly $5 billion to date. Flipkart, meanwhile, has also recruited Tencent.

Tags: Amazon launches Prime Music service in India, amazon, amazon prime music service, amazon prime music service in india, varindia, Prime Video months later, Amazon Music