HYBE-owned superfan platform Weverse launches new in-app streaming service: ‘Listening Party’

hat the new Listening Party service is all about creating a unique experience for fans, artists, and labels to connect through music. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to show their support while also directly benefiting their favorite artists by actively streaming their music.

To access the Listening Party service, users will need a Premium Spotify subscription along with a Weverse account. While any Weverse user can join these virtual listening events, the ability to host these parties is reserved for subscribers of Weverse’s Digital Membership program, which offers additional features like real-time translation in 13 languages, offline saving options, AI-powered video quality enhancement, and other exclusive benefits for a monthly fee.

HYBE’s CFO, Kyung-Jun Lee, mentioned in a recent earnings call that the Digital Membership service is still in its early stages, but profits are expected to increase gradually. Revenues from the “artist-indirect” segment, which includes Weverse, saw a significant jump of 14.5% year-over-year to KRW 809.29 billion ($593.56 million) in 2024.

The launch of the Listening Party service aligns with Weverse’s goal of providing the ultimate fan experience. Weverse President Joon Choi expressed that their main focus is to create a platform where artists and fans can engage in a meaningful way. By introducing services like Listening Party, Weverse aims to facilitate ongoing participation between artists and fans, while also giving artists the opportunity to connect directly with their most dedicated supporters.

With the success of Weverse’s 2024 Global Fandom Trend Report, revealing a 30% increase in artist communities on the platform, it’s evident that Weverse is making waves in the world of superfan platforms. With 9.4 million monthly active users and a milestone of 150 million global downloads in 2024, Weverse is proving to be a popular choice for both fans and artists alike.

The addition of high-profile international artists like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, and Conan Gray further solidifies Weverse’s reputation as a go-to platform for superfans. As President Joon Choi highlighted in a recent SXSW Session, platforms like Weverse are essential for catering to the specific needs of superfans beyond what general social media platforms can offer.

Overall, Weverse’s new Listening Party service is a testament to the platform’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience and fostering deeper connections between artists and their most loyal supporters. With an array of exciting features and benefits, Weverse continues to be at the forefront of innovative and engaging experiences for fans in the world of streaming entertainment.