Soon after the launch of Apple Music, Line has also jumped in music streaming market with its new LINE Music. It claims to offer around 1.5 million tracks from popular labels including Sony, Universal, and Japan’s Avex. LINE also confirmed that it will expand the catalog to 5 million tracks by the end of the year and 30 million by the end of the next year.
LINE Music will cost 1000 yen for one month subscription and 500 yen ($4 approx.) for 20 hours of music streaming.
LINE Music launched last month in Thailand for testing. Now, the service has been expanded to Japan which has very small market of digital music. Reports says that compact discs still account for more than 80% of total music sales in Japan. Brining music service in this country may be revolutionary.
Japan does not have Spotify and Rdio like music services. Apple might launch Apple Music in Japan but it is not confirmed that Japan will get it on 30 June or not. So, LINE decided to capture the market soon before Apple lands in the country. LINE also finalized the price less than the price Apple Music could bring.
LINE Music is available for Android and iPhone. LINE will also bring this service on web soon.