8tracks
8Tracks is an internet radio that allows users to create their own playlists for others to listen to. It was founded in 2006 by David Porter, [1] but not launched until 2008. Each playlist must consist of at least eight tracks. Creators of playlists, called DJs, label the playlist with tags, which enable listeners to easily seed the music. Anyone is able to listen to playlists online, yet users may also create a free account to log into the site. There is also a feature called 8Tracks Plus, which is a subscription-based service without ads, that costs $25 for a six month subscription [2].
Legality
In order to comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, 8Tracks has licenses with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Since the site is non-interactive, such compliance is able to hold. This allows the site to transmit publicly released sound recordings so long as certain conditions are met. For example, there is a limit on the number of songs by a certain artist during a three-hour time period, and the site pays royalties, of 1/7 of a cent, for every track streamed [3] [4]. Listeners are only able to skip an allotted number of tracks per hour, and the listener cannot determine the sequence the playlist is heard [5]
Features
Listeners
Anyone is able to listen to playlists for free, with or without an account. Unlike other free music applications such as Pandora or Spotify, no ads interrupt playlists on 8Tracks. Only visual ads are on the site. On the home page, listeners can either select multiple tags to sort the playlists or enter favorite artists to get recommended playlists. The range of tags spans from Folk to Dubstep and anywhere in between. Listeners can also comment on, favorite, and share playlists. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Stumbleupon, Google+, Pintrest, and email are all implemented on playlists for listeners to easily share with friends.
DJs
Developers
8Tracks has a API for which developers can use to build an 8tracks player. There is also a forum where developers can ask questions to peers or staff 5. Both official and third-party apps are available for listeners to use. The API is fairly easy to use and offers a variety of data which can be pulled to make an app. The official 8Tracks apps are for iPhone, Android, and Macs [6].
