Rdio subscriptions transition to ad-supported Rdio Free soon

Rdio Free will be the only available streaming service from Rdio

rdio subscriptions cancelled transition to free label stations — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the aftermath of Rdio’s acquisition by Pandora, the music streamer has announced its plans to wind down the service in the next few weeks. In a blog post, Rdio explained that current subscribers will have their subscriptions cancelled on their next billing date, effective November 23. After users’ subscriptions end, they can continue listening to the ad-supported Rdio Free service, which allows access to on-demand songs and albums, as well as playlists on the web and ad-supported stations on mobile. The statement goes on to say that subscriptions will remain active “for any period of time you’ve already been billed.”

As previously reported, Rdio was forced into bankruptcy last week and owes about $220 million to creditors. The streamer, which charged $10 per month for a subscription, had roughly 150,000 monthly subscribers (and with that about $1.5 million in subscription revenue) when it shut down, but took a loss each month due to operating expenses of $4 million.

Pending the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Pandora — which bought pieces of the on-demand music streamer for $75 million — will implement some of Rdio’s assets. “Adding Rdio’s impressive technology and talented people will fast-track new dimensions and enhancements to our service,” said Pandora CEO Brian McAndrews in a statement. “I couldn’t be more optimistic about Pandora’s future and the future of music.” Pandora has further stated that it will offer an “expanded listening experience” by the end of 2016.

In the meantime, Rdio Free will continue to be offered until the service goes offline. The service will stop taking new subscriptions beginning on November 23, although it’s unclear why anyone would want to begin subscribing to the near-defunct streamer now.

More specifics on the exact timing of Rdio’s end of service and how to export Rdio data, including playlists and favorites, will come soon via email, according to the blog post.

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