Bebo inks deal with 7digital for music download service

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 28-Mar-07, 09:10

LONDON - Social networking portal Bebo has agreed a deal with 7digital to launch a music download service, which will promote new artists registered on the site.

Bebo, which claims 31m users worldwide, has inked a deal with digital media company, 7digital, to offer legal downloads from the portal's 450,000 registered bands through 7digital's Indiestore Service.

The deal means Bebo will integrate its Bebo Bands service into its Indiestore Service so users in the website's key markets, which include the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, can access songs from unsigned artists.

Bands registered on Bebo will be able to sign up for an Indiestore Starter Account enabling them to sell four tracks online, or a Pro Account, which offers up to 20 music downloads.

7digital said that more than 4,000 music labels would be able to promote their artists on Bebo through the music download service, which incorporates PayPal, Click & Buy and SMS payment options.

Joanna Shields, president international of Bebo, said: "Music remains a defining part of the Bebo network experience, and our partnership with 7digital will present additional value to our users allowing them to not only discover but purchase music on Bebo."