Amazon Ends Live Audio Service 'Amp' as Part of Cost-Cutting Measures

In a bid to streamline its operations and adapt to changing market dynamics, Amazon has decided to discontinue its live audio service, Amp. This service, which allowed users to host live programs where callers could request to speak, is now set to bid farewell.

Source: https://deadline.com/2023

In a bid to streamline its operations and adapt to changing market dynamics, Amazon has decided to discontinue its live audio service, Amp. This service, which allowed users to host live programs where callers could request to speak, is now set to bid farewell.

According to reports, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating, "We've made the difficult decision to close Amp. We learned a lot about how live music communities interact in the process, which we are bringing to bear as we build new fan experiences at scale in Amazon Music."

Amp was introduced to the public in March 2022 amidst the buzz surrounding the audio-only social app Clubhouse. At that time, various tech giants, including Meta, Spotify, and X (formerly Twitter), were also exploring live audio features. Amazon had roped in big-name artists like Nicki Minaj, Lil Yachty, and Pusha T to host their own Amp shows, creating a unique and vibrant audio experience.

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This decision coincides with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's comprehensive review of the company's expenses. In response to slowing sales and economic challenges, Amazon is reevaluating its portfolio. In April, the company also shuttered its UK-based online bookstore, Book Depository, which had been in its stable since 2011.

'The Guardian reports that this move is part of Amazon's broader strategy to restructure its Devices and Books businesses, leading to the elimination of several positions. Book Depository, founded in 2004 by former Amazon employees Stuart Felton and Andrew Crawford, had a distinctive approach of selling 'less of more,' which was a departure from the 'more of less' philosophy.

The discontinuation of Amp may signal Amazon's shift in strategy for its audio and entertainment offerings. It highlights the competitive landscape of live audio content and social interaction, prompting Amazon to reevaluate its place in this rapidly evolving space.