EBay to Sell Music Downloads

Online auction giant ebay.com is taking a cue from Apple's success with iTunes (which recently sold its 100-millionth download), and has launched a six-month pilot program which it hopes will attract the interest of both major recording labels as well as smaller, independent record producers and individual bands wishing to offer songs for download to consumers.

The hesitancy on eBay's part to fully launch the download program, rather than simply run a pilot to evaluate the demand for it, is natural, as the market for paid MP3 downloads is still developing, but is already dominated by a number of key players.

While some industry analysts do not expect eBay to threaten the sales enjoyed by established music-centric powerhouses like iTunes, or Napster, others feel that eBay's demographically broad and affluent user base (already accustomed to purchasing records, tapes, and CDs there) will translate into healthy profits.

Individuals shouldn't be in a rush to populate eBay with offers of MP3 downloads for a fee, however, as merchants selected for this category will be monitored as to their authority to sell the content that they are offering, can provide the level of service that eBay customers have come to demand, and have effective copyright protection mechanisms in place.

According to a statement on eBay's website, "After 180 days we will evaluate the pilot and determine whether to enable other copyright owners or resellers of downloadable media to list in eBay's Digital Downloads category if they meet certain criteria that will ensure copyright protection, service level agreements and safety," adding "Approved sellers in this pilot have represented to eBay that they are the rights owner or have contractual permission from the rights owner to resell the listed media."

The pilot program will only be tested at ebay.com, while regional overseas versions of the site will have to wait until the results of the test are in before getting a possible chance at the new music download service.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TrustyFans Introduces New Blog

Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."

JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine

JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Show More