Amazon Pulls the Plug on Experimental Live Radio App Amp Following Strategic Product Review

Amazon has decided to discontinue Amp, its live audio streaming service launched earlier this year, following an extensive evaluation of the business. Amp allowed users to tune into live discussions and play music in real-time, similar to a traditional radio broadcast.

In an internal memo, Steve Boom who oversees Amazon’s digital music division, acknowledged this was a difficult choice made after months of assessment. Boom said Amazon aimed to apply lessons from Amp about engaging music fans through novel experiences on the Amazon Music platform.

The app was rolled out in March 2022 amid growing interest in live audio apps during the pandemic lockdowns. Popular artists like Nicki Minaj and podcast hosts such as Guy Raz were recruited for the launch.

However, the discontinuation of Amp is part of broader cuts underway at Amazon led by new CEO Andy Jassy. Several other recent project cancellations include wellness tech Halo, autonomous delivery robot Scout and free grocery delivery. Over 27,000 jobs have also been cut as hiring has frozen for over a year amid economic uncertainties.

The live audio space has cooled considerably industry-wide with other players like Spotify shuttering similar efforts and social app Clubhouse pivoting its focus. Podcast companies have also scaled back operations in response to slowing growth. Amazon thus appears to be streamlining its product portfolio after determining Amp did not align with its strategic priorities.