Messaging app company Line Corporation, backed by entertainment firm RS Plc, has announced the launch of Line music streaming service in Thailand to cash in on the burgeoning online music market in the smartphone era.
The development is part of Line's strategy to expand from being a top messaging app into an entertainment and services platform.
"As Thailand is Line's biggest market outside Japan, we are pushing hard to bring diverse content and services that fit the lifestyles of Line users here," said Lim Suk-jun, head of Line Music Global.
Thailand has more than 33 million active users of the Line app. Line continues to see high single-digit growth in users here, he said.
The company introduced Line TV service in Thailand three months ago because it views the country as a strategic market.
Line Music allows users to be exposed to new music and helps the music industry to expand.
RS is Line's first partner, providing at least 10,000 music tracks covering different types and styles, ranging from rock to pop, easy listening to folk songs.
Soopachai Nillawan, senior executive vice-president of music for RS, said there was a growing need to reconcile Thai lifestyles with digital technologies to narrow the digital skills gaps between users and service providers.
Mr Lim said Line Music also offers streaming music from other labels such as BEC-Tero, Spicydisc, What the Duck, and other legendary labels and new stars.
"We hope our music streaming service can provide another channel to stimulate Thailand's music industry," he said.
Line expects to have 1 million music downloads by the end of this year.
Line Music is available for smartphones operating on iOS and Android systems. The company will charge 60 baht per month for unlimited downloads of all tracks and content. Customers downloading Line Music from May 21 to Nov 20 will get free music downloads for 30 days.