Spotify streaming competitor Rdio has officially launched in India as per a statement. Rdio takes a big step with this move to increase its user base by adding the second most-populace country in the world of 1.25 billion people as potential listeners. Rdio boasts a library of more than 32 million songs in 43 languages from global, regional and local labels, and with the move into India will be working hard to recruit local content providers into vast networks.
"India is the fastest growing Internet market in the world with one of the most vibrant cultures for music. We have built a strong local organization here, which is now our largest office and team outside the U.S," said CEO Anthony Bay in a statement. "Our objective is to raise the bar for the digital music experience in India and provide the most robust offering of music from around the world, all tuned to each individual listener."
Rdio is available for free or can be upgraded for just $1.99 — or 120 rupees — a month to enjoy ad-free listening, online or offline of any song, station or playlist within the Rdio library.
Rdio, which launched in 2010 in San Francisco, has focused on the global market from the outset. It has stated in the past that the service has 60 percent of its monthly active users come from outside the United States.
Rdio will face competition entering the Indian market. Already entrenched local brands like Gaana, Saavn, Wynk Music and Hungama have developed in the Indian streaming market, while Australian company Guvera just launched in India in November.
The new expansionary announcement comes on the heels of Spotify's own declaration that it has 15 million paid subscribers worldwide.
Bay revealed big plans to Billboard for 2015, saying that he wants to see the company expand from 60 markets now to close to a 100 at the end of 2015. The Indian expansion is a big first step that should pay dividends quickly for Rdio.
