Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Winamp

Winamp is a originally developed for Microsoft Windows by in 1997, renowned for pioneering playback and offering extensive customization through skins and plugins. Created by programmers and Dmitry Boldyrev, it quickly became a in the nascent era of , with its playful tagline "It really whips the llama's ass!" encapsulating its irreverent appeal to early users. The player supported a wide range of audio formats beyond , including and , and featured visualizations, playlist management, and a modular architecture that allowed third-party extensions for added functionality like equalization and streaming. Nullsoft, founded by Frankel in Sedona, Arizona, released the initial version of Winamp in April 1997 as shareware, with version 0.92 made freeware in May, rapidly amassing millions of downloads amid the MP3 revolution. By 1998, the software's success prompted Nullsoft's formal incorporation, and its innovative skinning system—allowing users to alter the interface with downloadable graphics—set it apart from rigid competitors, fostering a vibrant community of creators. In June 1999, America Online (AOL) acquired Nullsoft and Winamp for over $80 million, integrating it into its ecosystem alongside Shoutcast for internet radio. However, corporate constraints led to tensions; Frankel and key developers departed soon after, and subsequent versions like Winamp 3 in 2002 faced criticism for instability, though later iterations under versions 2 and 5 restored much of its popularity through improved stability and format support. Following AOL's announcement in November 2013 to discontinue and shut down services by December 20, Winamp was sold to Belgian company Radionomy (later rebranded as the Group and then as Winamp Group SA in October 2025) in early 2014, preserving its legacy and integration. Under new ownership, the software saw sporadic updates, including a rollout and a 2022 release of version 5.9, which added modern streaming capabilities while retaining classic features. In September 2024, the Group released the source code for Winamp's legacy player on under a custom license encouraging collaborative , though it was later removed amid licensing disputes; this move aimed to revive contributions but fell short of full open-source status. Despite competition from and streaming services, Winamp's influence endures in , inspiring modern players and maintaining a dedicated fanbase through preserved skins, plugins, and emulations.

Development History

Origins and Initial Releases

Winamp was developed in 1997 by programmers and Dmitry Boldyrev as a lightweight media player to address the limitations of existing decoding tools, particularly by integrating a user-friendly Windows interface with the open-source AMP decoder originally designed for Unix systems. The software emerged during the nascent stages of compression, when files were gaining traction among early users for sharing and playback, but compatible players were scarce and often cumbersome. Frankel and Boldyrev, operating initially as a small team of just two developers, created Winamp under the banner of , Inc., which Frankel formally founded in , in January 1998. The initial public release, Winamp 0.20a, occurred on April 21, 1997, as a minimalist application focused primarily on playback with basic visualization capabilities, such as simple and displays, running on and NT 4.0. distributed it without advertisements or registration fees, emphasizing its compact size—under 100 KB—and performance efficiency, which quickly appealed to users frustrated by heavier alternatives. This model, combined with the explosive growth of on the early web, drove rapid adoption; by mid-1998, downloads had surpassed 3 million. Subsequent early updates from versions 0.2 to 0.9, released between late 1997 and early 1998, introduced essential features that enhanced usability, including basic playlist support for organizing multiple tracks and output for converting to uncompressed audio files. For instance, version 0.92 in May 1997 added the iconic "classic" alongside these functionalities, laying the groundwork for Winamp's extensible architecture. These iterations solidified its role as a go-to tool for enthusiasts, fostering a dedicated community even as transitioned toward elements in later releases.

Major Version Evolutions

Winamp's 1.x series marked the foundation of its evolution as a versatile media player, with version 1.0 released in June 1997. This initial stable release expanded support to general audio formats beyond , including and files, enabling broader compatibility for users experimenting with digital music in the late . Additionally, it introduced INI-based skins, allowing simple customization of the interface through text files, which laid the groundwork for the player's renowned aesthetic flexibility. The 2.x series, spanning 1998 to 2002, represented a significant leap in functionality and popularity, starting with on September 8, 1998. Key advancements included native support for emerging formats like and Ogg Vorbis, which catered to the growing demand for high-quality, open-source amid the boom. Enhanced DSP effects through an improved plugin architecture allowed for advanced audio processing, such as equalization and spatialization, appealing to audiophiles and DJs. By 2000, the series had driven Winamp's user base to over 25 million downloads, reflecting its dominance as one of the most popular Windows applications during the dial-up era. Winamp 3, released in 2002, underwent a complete modular redesign to the player for expansion, featuring the skin as a default modern interface with integrated components for playlists, visualizations, and media library. It introduced video playback capabilities, supporting formats like and MPEG, and added support for international character handling in filenames and . However, the version faced criticism for , including crashes and issues with older plugins, resulting in a short lifecycle of about three years and a pivot back to more reliable architectures. The 5.x series, launched with version 5.0 on December 14, 2003, merged the stable engine of 2.x with select 3.x innovations, such as modern skins and video support, to restore user confidence while enhancing the media library and adding ripping/burning tools. Subsequent updates refined this foundation: version 5.2 in 2006 introduced native support for lossless audio, addressing demands for high-fidelity playback without quality loss. Version 5.5, released in 2007, revived Bento-style elements in a more stable form, improving visual customization. By 5.6 in December 2010, cloud integration via Winamp Remote enabled mobile syncing of playlists and libraries. The series culminated in 5.7 as the last major update in 2013, focusing on bug fixes and minor enhancements like better format compatibility, sustaining a user base that peaked at around 60 million by 2001 and remained robust through the mid-2000s.

Ownership Changes and Later Releases

In 1999, acquired , the developer of Winamp, for approximately $80 million. This purchase integrated Winamp into 's ecosystem, but it soon led to tensions, including adware-like integrations and aggressive advertising practices that alienated users. One notable controversy involved Winamp co-creator , who developed AIMazing, a that blocked advertisements in , prompting internal backlash and highlighting broader user dissatisfaction with 's monetization strategies. These issues contributed to Frankel's resignation from in 2004 and a of mismanagement that stifled Winamp's innovation. By 2013, amid declining relevance, AOL announced the shutdown of Winamp services effective December 20, citing a shift away from desktop media players. The decision sparked significant community outcry, with users and former developers launching petitions and campaigns to preserve the software, ultimately pressuring to reverse course. Instead of closure, sold Winamp and to Radionomy, a Belgian online radio platform, in early for an undisclosed amount, retaining a 12% stake. Under Radionomy, Winamp pivoted toward streaming integration, aligning with the company's focus on and services. The last major AOL-era release was Winamp 5.666 in November 2013, which included minor security fixes but marked the end of active development under that ownership. Following the acquisition, Winamp entered a dormant phase with limited updates; Radionomy issued Winamp 5.8 in October 2018 after a leaked , featuring subtle improvements, Windows 10 compatibility, and security patches to address vulnerabilities. This was followed by Winamp 5.9 in July 2022, which added support for streams and further minor UI tweaks, but signaled the cessation of regular updates as resources shifted to streaming enhancements via integration. Radionomy's ownership emphasized Winamp's role in a broader streaming ecosystem, with a dormant period from 2014 to 2018 yielding no official releases amid internal restructuring. Efforts to relaunch Winamp gained momentum around 2018–2020, incorporating for seamless radio playback and laying groundwork for a modernized platform. In 2023, Radionomy's parent entity rebranded to Llama Group following the sale of non-core assets, announcing initial plans for a comprehensive overhaul to revive Winamp as a cross-platform streaming hub.

Recent Developments and Revival Efforts

In May 2024, under the ownership of Llama Group (formerly Radionomy), Winamp announced plans for a partial open-source release of its legacy , scheduled for September 24, 2024, under a non- that retained intellectual property rights with the company. On September 24, 2024, Llama Group launched a repository containing the Winamp Legacy player , inviting developers to contribute to modernization efforts while emphasizing non- use only. The release quickly faced significant backlash from the developer community due to its restrictive licensing terms, which prohibited applications, forking for , and modifications beyond use, leading to widespread that it undermined true open-source principles. By October 16, 2024, Llama Group deleted the entire repository amid ongoing licensing controversies and community derision, effectively halting the open-source initiative despite initial forks and pull requests that had garnered attention. Earlier in 2024, on July 1, Winamp released an updated player application for and , featuring a modernized , integrated streaming services, and preserved classic functionalities to appeal to both nostalgic users and new audiences. On April 2, 2025, Llama Group launched Winamp for Creators, a dedicated platform enabling independent artists to manage music distribution, monetize through collectibles and subscriptions, and access tools without technical barriers. The platform saw rapid adoption, exceeding 500 new artist sign-ups per day shortly after launch, with subsequent enhancements including the Winamp Academy for educational resources and additional monetization features rolled out in the first half of 2025. Llama Group's first-half 2025 financial report, released on September 15, 2025, highlighted Winamp as a key growth driver, with consolidated normalized revenue rising 8% to €1.13 million, driven by the integration of revenue-generating tools in the Creators platform and expanded artist onboarding.

Core Features

Media Playback Capabilities

Winamp's core media playback engine relies on a modular architecture, utilizing input modules such as in_mp3.dll for decoding files and output modules like out_wave.dll for rendering audio via the Windows WaveOut . From its initial releases in the late 1990s, Winamp supported fundamental audio formats including , , and files, with early expansions to include Ogg Vorbis and by version 2.x. This architecture allowed for efficient handling of compressed and uncompressed audio streams, prioritizing low-latency playback on resource-constrained systems of the era. Over successive versions, Winamp's format support evolved significantly to encompass lossless and video codecs. Starting with version 2.x, it incorporated support for additional audio formats like (via dedicated plugins) and introduced basic video playback for and MPEG files using system-level filters. By version 5.x, released in 2005, native support for was added through the in_flac.dll module, enabling high-resolution lossless audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, while video capabilities expanded to include , , and formats like OGV via enhanced integration, with audio support in video containers. , which eliminates pauses between tracks by precisely calculating encoder padding and trimming, was introduced as a built-in feature for and in version 5.2. Winamp includes built-in audio processing tools to enhance playback quality, such as a 10-band graphic with preset configurations for genres like rock and classical, and options for smooth transitions. capabilities, exemplified by the MilkDrop plugin integrated since version 2.8, provide spectrum analysis and waveform rendering synchronized to the , transforming playback into an immersive visual experience. For streaming, Winamp natively integrates with protocols from version 2.0 onward, allowing users to broadcast and receive live audio streams, with Icecast compatibility added through compatible plugins in later iterations. Version 5.9.2, released in April 2023, further improved streaming with support and enhanced compatibility for modern protocols. Despite its extensibility, Winamp has notable limitations in media handling; it lacks native support for DRM-protected content, such as M4P or files, rendering them unplayable without third-party workarounds. Additionally, playback of certain advanced video and audio formats relies on external system codecs, like those provided by or LAV Filters, which can lead to inconsistencies if not properly installed on the host machine.

Customization and Skins

Winamp's customization capabilities are centered on its innovative system, which enables users to alter the player's visual theme, layout, and interface elements to create personalized experiences. This feature, one of the earliest in media players, fostered a vibrant of creators who produced thousands of unique designs, transforming the software from a utilitarian into a canvas for artistic expression. Classic skins debuted with Winamp 1.x in 1997, revolutionizing media player aesthetics by allowing modifications through simple text-based INI files and (BMP) graphics. The INI files, such as classic.ini for the main window and eq.ini for , defined element positions, sizes, and behaviors, while BMP files supplied the visual assets like buttons, sliders, and backgrounds for various states (e.g., normal, hover, depressed). This structure supported resizable interfaces via user-configurable options in the INI settings, enabling smooth scaling of skinned windows when the embedwnd_freesize parameter was enabled, though fixed sizes limited full flexibility without additional artwork. Winamp 2.x built on this foundation with enhancements to the classic format, introducing greater compatibility and options for more intricate designs, including limited support for through overlapping elements and basic animations in select components via scripted behaviors. Skins were packaged as .wsz (zipped) files, maintaining the INI-bitmap core but allowing for richer visual variety. The skin, launched in Winamp 5.5 in 2007, marked a shift to XML-based for a fully , where components like the , , and media library could be independently docked, resized, and arranged in customizable layouts—building on the modern skinning introduced in Winamp 3.0. This approach emphasized flexibility, using XML files to script interactions and positions, diverging from bitmap reliance toward vector-like scalability. incorporated updated XML parsing for better performance and integration with emerging features. Winamp 5.x introduced modern skins (often in .wal format), leveraging XML for comprehensive layouts with advanced rendering options, including gradient fills for smooth color transitions and per-component sizing to adapt to varying screen resolutions and user preferences. These skins supported layered elements, scripting via language, and dynamic resizing, enabling highly responsive and visually sophisticated interfaces. The skinning ecosystem thrived through community repositories, notably Winamp.com, which hosted over 1,000 official and user-submitted skins by 2000, spanning themes from minimalist to elaborate pop culture tributes. Creation tools like QuickSkin and Skinamp streamlined the process by automating INI generation and bitmap integration from user images, empowering non-programmers to contribute. Skins could integrate with plugins for dynamic effects, such as visualizers that altered appearances in based on audio analysis.

Plugin System and Extensibility

Winamp's plugin system was introduced with version 1.0 in 1997, providing a general-purpose that allowed third-party developers to extend core functionality through dynamic link libraries (DLLs). The categorized plugins into types such as input modules (prefixed in_ for decoding audio formats), output modules (out_ for rendering audio to devices), effects (dsp_ for audio modifications like equalization), and modules (vis_ for graphical representations of audio). This architecture enabled modular expansions without altering the core application, fostering a vibrant of add-ons. By the early 2000s, the library had grown substantially, with archives cataloging over 1,000 contributions that enhanced playback, effects, and visuals. Notable examples include the in_vorbis , which added support for OGG audio decoding, and MilkDrop (vis_milk.dll), a general-purpose tool renowned for its hardware-accelerated, beat-reactive graphics generated from analysis. These plugins exemplified how the system supported diverse formats and creative outputs, with developers leveraging the SDK for custom implementations. Winamp 3, released in 2002, advanced modularity through its scripting interface, which allowed developers to create dynamic components using scripting languages for more complex interactions and extensions. However, lacking with prior plugins, it shifted focus toward the new framework for future-proof extensibility. Subsequent versions addressed this by reintroducing . Winamp 5.x, launched in 2005, restored with plugins from versions 1.x and 2.x via an integrated bridge mechanism, enabling seamless use of older DLLs alongside modern components. The application framework underpinned this cross-version , providing a cross-platform toolkit and that facilitated plugin development and integration across Winamp iterations. Users managed plugins through the built-in , accessible via Options > Preferences > Plug-ins, where involved placing DLLs in the Plugins , followed by selection, , and enabling for specific types like chains or visualizations. This manager supported drag-and-drop for many add-ons and allowed reordering of effects in processing pipelines. Following the release of Winamp 5.9 final in July 2022 and 5.9.2 in April 2023, official and support diminished under limited maintenance by the parent , leading to compatibility issues with some legacy and third-party modules on modern Windows versions. In September 2024, the Llama Group briefly released the source code for Winamp's legacy player on under a custom license, aiming to encourage collaborative including new , though it was removed amid disputes and did not achieve full open-source status. The has sustained the ecosystem through projects like the Winamp Update Project (WACUP), which patches and enhances functionality for ongoing use. UIs could integrate with skins for cohesive visuals, though functional extensions remained distinct from thematic customizations.

Platform Adaptations

Windows Implementation

Winamp was initially targeted at and , with initial public releases beginning in April 1997, designed as a application to meet the constraints of early consumer PCs. The installer for version 1.0 measured just 350 KB, reflecting Nullsoft's focus on minimal footprint and rapid performance without compromising core playback functionality. As Windows evolved, Winamp's compatibility expanded progressively, supporting versions from and ME through , , , 8, 10, and 11, ensuring broad accessibility across two decades of the OS lineage. Later iterations, such as version 5.9 released in 2022, established stricter minimums, requiring SP1 or newer along with 9.0c to leverage advanced visualization and audio features like Milkdrop. This shift addressed modern hardware dependencies while maintaining for core playback on older systems via community-maintained builds. Winamp integrates deeply with Windows through shell extensions that enhance file management, including context menu options like "Enqueue in Winamp" for audio files and folders directly in Explorer. These extensions facilitate drag-and-drop operations from Windows Explorer into Winamp's playlists or Media Library, streamlining media organization without needing external tools. The Media Library itself scans and catalogs local files, with options to import playlists or compatible with Windows-standard formats for seamless . Performance optimizations in Winamp 2.x, released starting in 1998, included support for (Audio Stream Input/Output) via dedicated output plugins, which bypassed the Windows audio mixer for sub-millisecond —critical for audio production and DJ applications on era hardware. These plugins, such as the open-source ASIO4Win, allowed direct hardware access, reducing buffer underruns and improving synchronization for professional workflows. In contemporary Windows environments, legacy builds like 5.666 (finalized in 2013) encounter occasional issues, such as detached UI elements or playback interruptions following major OS updates like those in or 11. Users often mitigate these by enabling compatibility modes set to or 8, which restore proper rendering and stability without altering core functionality. Such adjustments highlight Winamp's enduring design but underscore the challenges of unmaintained software in evolving ecosystems.

Ports to Other Operating Systems

Winamp's early efforts to expand beyond Windows included a port to known as DOSAMP, a command-line media player developed by and released on January 10, 1998, as version 0.8. This text-based application was among the first players for the DOS platform, utilizing the PlayMedia AMP decoding engine for audio playback, though it offered lower quality compared to later codecs like Fraunhofer or mpg123. It supported basic features such as downmixing, sampling rate selection, and pause/resume functionality, with an optional extender by Henrich Fukna adding support. A Macintosh port followed, with Nullsoft announcing development in January 2001 and releasing an alpha version 0.71 for PowerPC-based systems, requiring Mac OS 8.5 or later and 2 MB of free RAM. The port was built using Apple's Carbon framework to ensure compatibility with both and early Mac OS X, integrating with system audio capabilities like for broader media support. Development progressed to versions 0.8.x exclusively for Mac OS X, but the project remained in alpha stages and saw limited updates before discontinuation around 2005 due to insufficient user adoption amid competition from native Apple tools like . For Linux, Nullsoft released an alpha version of Winamp 3 on October 9, 2001, marking the only official attempt at a native , though it remained unupdated despite ongoing interest. Users often relied on unofficial layers like Wine to run the Windows version, as no full native release materialized; a 2004 experiment with the skin aimed to adapt the for Linux environments but did not lead to broader platform support. In the mobile era, launched Winamp for on October 2010 as version 1.14, featuring touch-optimized controls, offline playback of local files, and free wireless syncing from PCs or Macs. The app supported a management solution, including playlist creation and format compatibility akin to the desktop version, but the original version was discontinued in following AOL's sale to Radionomy. A new Winamp app for was released on July 12, 2024, by the Llama Group, offering updated local playback, streaming integration, podcasts, and ongoing support as of May 2025. A companion iOS app was announced by Nullsoft in 2010, focusing primarily on streaming and Wi-Fi syncing rather than full local playback, but its release was limited and it was removed from the App Store by 2014 amid the same ownership transition and declining support. A new Winamp app for iOS followed on July 12, 2024, supporting local music files, fanzone tracks, podcasts, radio stations, and Wi-Fi syncing, with continued availability as of November 2025. Following the 2024 revival under the Llama Group, which opened the source code for the classic Windows player on September 25, 2024 (later removed amid licensing disputes), new official ports to mobile operating systems were developed, including the July 2024 and apps, while the classic player maintained focus on Windows enhancements. A web-based serves as a cross-platform , accessible via browsers without native installation on non-Windows systems.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Easter Eggs and Hidden Features

Winamp's early versions, particularly 1.x and 2.x, featured a prominent accessible by typing "nullsoft" in the main window while using the default skin, requiring the user to press the key after each "L" to avoid triggering the file open dialog; this action displays the animated company tagline "It really whips the llama's ass!" as a whimsical nod to 's . In Winamp 2.x, the About box contained hidden interactions, such as holding Ctrl+Alt+Shift and double-clicking the line on the main tab to reveal credits with humorous animations, or switching to the Credits tab under the same key combination to display photos of the team alongside fiery and inside jokes. Winamp 3 introduced tied to its skin, where users could access a concealed screen by opening Preferences, navigating to General Appearance, and clicking the small Winamp logo in the bottom-left corner, unveiling an animated display with developer acknowledgments and subtle visual surprises. Later iterations in the 5.x series incorporated plugin-specific hidden features, such as selecting the Decoder in Preferences under Plug-ins > Input and clicking About to reveal a clickable spinning icon that triggers llama animations, or accessing the NSV Decoder's About dialog for a funky hidden visual sequence upon interaction. Additionally, stretching the main player window to expose the beat analyzer and then holding Ctrl+Alt+Shift while left-clicking the central circle produces a field of animated stars, enhancing the player's whimsical interactivity. Community explorations of early builds also uncovered title bar messages like "Winamp is dead," appearing in certain alpha versions as a developer , though these were not part of releases.

Derivative Works and Community Forks

Several open-source emerged as clones or successors to Winamp, adopting its modular plugin architecture to enable extensibility. , first released in 2002, is a , open-source media player that emphasizes customization through a component-based system similar to Winamp's plugins, allowing users to add support for various formats and visualizations without altering the core application. Similarly, XMPlay, developed starting in 2004 by Un4seen Developments, functions as a clone that directly supports Winamp 2.x input plugins for audio decoding, enabling compatibility with a wide range of formats while maintaining a minimal footprint. Other players positioned as successors incorporated Winamp's aesthetic and functional elements, particularly its skinning capabilities. , a free media player launched in , serves as a by offering a with customizable skins reminiscent of Winamp's, along with support for enhanced playback features. , evolving from its 2001 origins as a music organizer, integrates Winamp-compatible skins to provide a visually familiar experience, allowing users to apply classic or modern themes directly to its interface. Following Winamp's acquisition by Radionomy in 2013 and subsequent stagnation, community-driven efforts focused on maintaining and updating the original software. The Winamp Community Update Project (WACUP), initiated in , is an ongoing initiative that patches the final official release of Winamp 5.666 to address bugs, improve compatibility with modern Windows versions, and add features like enhanced playlist management while preserving the classic . As of 2025, WACUP continues to release preview builds, with regular updates incorporating community feedback and fixes for deprecated . In 2024, attempts to Winamp intensified after its was briefly released on under a restrictive by owner Llama Group, but these efforts failed when the entire repository was deleted less than a month later due to licensing conflicts and backlash over terms that prohibited modifications and commercial use. Prior to the deletion, users created unofficial mirrors on to preserve the code, though these faced legal uncertainties stemming from Nullsoft's original entanglements, including bundled third-party libraries with incompatible open-source licenses like LGPL. The episode highlighted ongoing challenges for derivatives, as the hodgepodge of and open-source components in Winamp's codebase limited viable forking without risking infringement claims. Winamp's skinning system influenced subsequent media players, notably , which incorporated support for Winamp 2 classic skins to allow users to replicate the nostalgic interface for audio-focused playback. This feature, available through 's skins directory since the mid-2000s, underscores Winamp's lasting impact on customizable UI paradigms in .

References

  1. [1]
    Tales In Tech History: Winamp - Silicon UK
    Aug 25, 2017 · The Winamp name was derived from the AMP MP3 decoding library, originally written for the Unix OS. It should be noted that Nullsoft had ...
  2. [2]
    RIP Winamp, 1997-2013: Marking the End of the Beginning of ...
    Nov 21, 2013 · Winamp, released in April, 1997, was the first MP3 player to gain wide acceptance, fueled by the exponential adoption of the internet and the ...
  3. [3]
    Winamp Media Player legacy site - WinampHeritage.com
    Our aim is to collect legacy resources for Winamp, including the best skins, plugins and visualizations and make them available to download freely.
  4. [4]
    After 15 years of llama-whipping, AOL shuts down Winamp for good
    Nov 20, 2013 · Winamp, the storied MP3 player bought by AOL in June 1999 for over $80 million, is set to shut down in exactly one month.
  5. [5]
    How AOL Squandered WinAmp - TechCrunch
    Jun 25, 2012 · AOL bought WinAmp (and Nullsoft) for about $100 million. Lord and Frankel, forced to work inside the confines of AOL's comparatively rigid structure, both quit ...
  6. [6]
    AOL's Winamp & Shoutcast acquired by Radionomy - VentureBeat
    Jan 14, 2014 · Belgian Internet radio startup Radionomy confirmed that it has acquired the once greatly popular music player Winamp from media giant AOL, ...
  7. [7]
    Winamp, the old-school MP3 software, is officially back - NME
    Aug 3, 2022 · AOL then shut down Winamp's development in 2013, and it was sold to Belgian digital audio company Radionomy shortly after. In 2018, it was ...
  8. [8]
    Winamp deletes entire GitHub source code repo after a rocky few ...
    Oct 16, 2024 · Winamp, through its Belgian owner Llama Group, posted the source for its “Legacy Player Code” on September 24 so that developers could ...
  9. [9]
    Nullsoft | IT History Society
    Nullsoft, Inc. is a software house founded in Sedona, Arizona in 1997 by Justin Frankel. Its most known products include the Winamp media player and the ...
  10. [10]
    Nullsoft Plays the MP3 Song - WIRED
    Feb 10, 1999 · This boutique strategy has created a mighty ground swell of support for Pepper's small company, located in Sedona, Arizona. Nullsoft created ...
  11. [11]
    Download Winamp 0.20 for Windows - OldVersion.com
    Winamp 0.20 ; File Size: 134.00 KB ; Date Released: Apr 21, 1997 ; Works on: Windows 95 / Windows NT / Windows 98 / Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista / ...
  12. [12]
    Winamp - Paweł Porwisz
    Jan 9, 2024 · Winamp is a media player originally developed by Justin Frankel and Dmitry Boldyrev by their company Nullsoft. ... player project (open source ...
  13. [13]
    Download Winamp 1.00 (zip) for Windows - OldVersion.com
    File Size: 189.70 KB; Date Released: Jun 7, 1997; Works on: Windows 95 / Windows NT / Windows 98 / Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7 ...
  14. [14]
    What Ever Happened to Winamp? - TechSpot
    Jul 30, 2024 · Developed by Nullsoft in 1997, Winamp is a media player that supports a wide array of audio formats and was an iconic software application ...
  15. [15]
    Winamp's woes: How the greatest MP3 player undid itself
    Jul 3, 2017 · In the first two years that Lord worked with Nullsoft, Winamp's user base quadrupled from 15 million to 60 million users—and the acquisition ...Missing: freeware | Show results with:freeware
  16. [16]
    AOL to unveil new Winamp - CNET
    Dec 15, 2003 · But the sources said the release will be timed for Tuesday. Winamp5 is an attempt to combine elements of the 2.x and 3.x versions into a sleeker ...
  17. [17]
    Bugging AOL: Innovative little software company a thorn in parent's ...
    Still restless, Frankel crafted AIMazing in his spare time last month. A small software add-on for Winamp, it wipes out the AOL ads on Instant Messenger, ...Missing: AIM blocker controversy
  18. [18]
    Controversial Winamp creator resigns from AOL - CNET
    Jan 26, 2004 · Justin Frankel, the controversial software engineer who created the Winamp media player, has resigned from America Online.Missing: adware | Show results with:adware
  19. [19]
    Still love Winamp? You can try to save it from being shuttered by AOL
    Nov 26, 2013 · A group of developers has launched a "Save Winamp" campaign aimed at convincing AOL to release the program's source code.<|control11|><|separator|>
  20. [20]
    AOL Sells Winamp And Shoutcast For $5-10M To Radionomy ...
    Jan 14, 2014 · Recall that AOL paid some $80 million for Nullsoft, owner of Winamp and Shoutcast, in 1999. AOL's stake will be a financial, not a strategic, ...
  21. [21]
    Winamp 5.8 Has Been Officially Released And Supports Windows 10
    Oct 19, 2018 · Ahead of its rebirth in 2019, the first official Winamp release since 2013 is now available.
  22. [22]
    Winamp releases new version after four years in development
    Aug 1, 2022 · Last week, Winamp 5.9 RC1 Build 9999 was released, marking it as the first version released in 4 years and as the first release candidate of the ...
  23. [23]
    Winamp lives on after acquisition by Radionomy - The Verge
    Jan 14, 2014 · Winamp, the popular music player of the late '90s and early 2000s, was supposed to shut down on December 21st, but it has lived on into 2014 ...Missing: 2013 | Show results with:2013
  24. [24]
    Winamp plans a streaming-friendly revival in 2019 - Engadget
    Oct 15, 2018 · Parent company Radionomy is planning to reboot the service as an all-in-one app that pulls podcasts, playlists, streaming radio stations— ...Missing: 2020 | Show results with:2020
  25. [25]
    Targetspot Becomes Llama Group - Business Wire
    Jan 31, 2023 · The new name opens a new chapter in the history of the company, which has refocused on the Winamp entity and its three brands (Winamp, Jamendo ...Missing: Radionomy rebranding<|control11|><|separator|>
  26. [26]
    [PDF] Winamp has announced that it is opening up its source code to ...
    May 16, 2024 · Winamp has announced that on 24 September 2024, the application's source code will be open to developers worldwide.
  27. [27]
    Winamp releases its source code on GitHub — but the legacy media ...
    Sep 25, 2024 · So, while Winamp is on GitHub and this is a source code release, it's not like the application has gone "full" open source or anything.<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Releasing WinAmp source goes badly – for its owners, anyway
    Oct 16, 2024 · The owners of WinAmp have just deleted their entire repo one month after uploading the source code to GitHub. Lots of source code, and quite possibly, not all ...
  29. [29]
    Llama Group: Winamp's New Music Player Apps Are Now Available
    Jul 10, 2024 · The Winamp player debuted as a mobile application for both iOS and Android devices, preserving its hallmark features while introducing new functionalities.
  30. [30]
    Llama Group: A First Half of 2025 Marked by Major Strategic ...
    Sep 15, 2025 · On April 2, 2025, the Group officially launched Winamp for Creators, a one-stop platform designed for artists. It combines both: monetization ...
  31. [31]
    Press - Winamp reaches more than 500 new sign-ups per day and ...
    Winamp continues its strong growth, now welcoming more than 500 new sign-ups every day since its launch on April 2nd, as it expands its mission to empower ...
  32. [32]
    [PDF] Winamp for Creators launches Winamp Academy - Llama Group
    Press Release. April 14, 2025 – 8:30 CEST. Winamp for Creators launches Winamp Academy. In its ongoing mission to better serve independent artists and music.
  33. [33]
    Llama Group: a first half of 2025 marked by major strategic progress ...
    Sep 15, 2025 · Consolidated normalized revenue: €1.13M, up +8% compared to June 2024 · Current operating result before depreciation and amortization: -€1.74m, ...
  34. [34]
    Winamp Desktop Player - for Windows
    History: Keeps track of when and how many times any items (remote streams, local media, etc) are played through Winamp. Local Media: Displays files on your ...
  35. [35]
    Winamp version history - WinampHeritage.com
    New: [enc_vorbis] Ogg Vorbis Encoder (based on aoTuV); Improved: Shift+F10 ... New: Replaygain support for MP3, AAC, Vorbis, M4A and WMA; New: added ml ...
  36. [36]
    Ultimate Winamp Playback and Codec Guide
    Aug 28, 2013 · This guide aims to make Winamp the only media player, supporting 10-bit, 8-bit, and full subtitling, with full DirectShow video playback and ...Compatibility Issues with x264 Codec - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsDRM protected WMA and winamp pluginsMore results from forums.winamp.comMissing: external | Show results with:external
  37. [37]
    Winamp Version History - VideoHelp
    Winamp 5.9.1 Build 10029 Winamp 5.9.1 * Improved: [ml_local / nde] Memory footprint reduction * Improved: [ml_local] Load time speedup and other optimizationsMissing: early | Show results with:early
  38. [38]
    Winamp 5.2 Released - Winamp & Shoutcast Forums
    Feb 21, 2006 · * New: [in_mp3] gapless MP3 playback * New: [installer] multi-user ... * Fixed: [in_mp3] incorrect version identification (showed 5.18 in 5.12) * ...
  39. [39]
    return to milkdrop.html - Geisswerks
    As you listen to music through Winamp, MilkDrop renders the soundwaves in a visual ... spectrum analyzer) in Winamp should start showing your signal. 4. RUN ...
  40. [40]
    Everything You Need to Know About SHOUTcast Radio - Shoutcheap
    Jul 9, 2025 · SHOUTcast is a streaming protocol developed by Nullsoft (the creators of Winamp) that allows you to broadcast audio over the internet.
  41. [41]
    Winamp FAQ - WinampHeritage.com
    There is no support for proprietary drm-protected M4P, M4B or M4V files. We do support playback of non-drm M4A, MP4, M4V & F4V formats. Does Winamp 5 support ...
  42. [42]
    Winamp Skins
    Learn how to make classic Winamp skins with an archive of the official Winamp skin tutorial!Missing: history classic 1. x INI<|control11|><|separator|>
  43. [43]
    Other Windows - the Winamp Skin Tutorial!
    Learn how to make classic Winamp skins with an archive of the official Winamp skin tutorial!Missing: skins INI interfaces
  44. [44]
    Winamp Skin - Just Solve the File Format Problem
    Oct 5, 2018 · A Winamp Skin is a compressed package file for the Winamp audio player software that modifies the visual appearance of the software application.Missing: INI | Show results with:INI
  45. [45]
    How to change Winamp's default skin to Bento? - Super User
    Jun 3, 2010 · On the Options menu, click Preferences. On the Winamp Preferences dialog box, in the tree at left, click Skins. In the list of Installed skins, click Bento.Missing: formats | Show results with:formats
  46. [46]
    Winamp Modern Skins Tutorial | PDF - Scribd
    This document provides a tutorial on skinning for Winamp 3. It introduces key concepts for skinning in Winamp 3 such as how the skinning process has changed ...
  47. [47]
    Winamp Color Themes - Paweł Porwisz
    Jan 9, 2024 · Color Themes are a set of special text files that determine the look of Winamp skins. This text files are written as XML document.
  48. [48]
    1001 Winamp Skins
    Welcome to 1001 Winamp Skins ; Skin details now indicate AVS skin and custom cursors 08-29-2000 ; 1001winampskins.com moves to a new server 07-29-2000 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  49. [49]
    http://www.infosolutionsgoa.com/tutor/wskins.html
  50. [50]
    Skinamp – a skin maker for Winamp | Sascha Hlusiak
    Numerous skins were created with this tool, swamping the skins download section of winamp.com, which once only had unique and high quality skins. Sorry for the ...Missing: Studio | Show results with:Studio
  51. [51]
    Input Plugin Api Information / Discussion - Winamp forums
    Apr 30, 2010 · Discussion and help for Winamp plug-ins and add-on development, because shop talk makes for mo bettah tweaking.vis plugin audio input apis - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsHow do I get plugins to work? - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsMore results from forums.winamp.comMissing: vis_ | Show results with:vis_
  52. [52]
    Winamp Plugins
    This is an archive plugins for the best Winamp media player. You may find the most recent Winamp plugins. The archive contains over 1000 best and popular ...
  53. [53]
    Winamp 5 Component List & Installation Guide
    Nov 21, 2004 · A new shared cross-platform common library for various core functionality... ... Provides playback support for MP3, MP2, MP1, AAC, AACPlus audio.
  54. [54]
    Wasabi Development download | SourceForge.net
    Apr 17, 2014 · Download Wasabi Development for free. Project for the development and documentation of open-source components of Nullsoft's Wasabi ...
  55. [55]
    how Do I Install Plugins???? - Winamp forums
    May 24, 2002 · Normally you install them to your winamp/plugins directory. Then press ctrl+k to select the plugin (if its a visualisation). Or press ctrl+p to ...How to activate Plug-in? - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsWinamp 5 Component List & Installation GuideMore results from forums.winamp.comMissing: manager | Show results with:manager
  56. [56]
    Winamp 5.9 Final Released - Winamp & Shoutcast Forums
    Winamp 5.9 Final Released. 26 July 2022, 16:38. Winamp 5.9 Final Build 9999. Winamp 5.9 * ...
  57. [57]
    Winamp SDK and control by python - WACUP
    I was having a look at some automation of winamp, with the aim of grabbing screenshots of the GUI, to compare how it looks natively and under Wine.Missing: documentation | Show results with:documentation
  58. [58]
    Download Winamp 1.00 for Windows - OldVersion.com
    Winamp 1.00 · File Size: 350.00 KB · Date Released: Jun 7, 1997 · Works on: Windows 95 / Windows NT / Windows 98 / Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista / ...
  59. [59]
    Windows 7 problems, file assosiation & shell extensions
    Oct 15, 2009 · I cant get the file assosiation to work, all mp3 files are locked with on windows media player and what ever i try i cant get winamp to take ...Windows 10 Issues with Winamp - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsContext Menus and File Assoc. - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsMore results from forums.winamp.com
  60. [60]
    WinAmp ASIO output plugin
    Basic configuration: Select your sound card from ASIO devices list. You can adjust the ASIO buffer size in the device driver options.
  61. [61]
    Winamp ASIO plugin download | SourceForge.net
    Mar 18, 2025 · Download Winamp ASIO plugin for free. ASIO output module for winamp media player & SRD file resampler. Further development of the asio ...Missing: core in_mf out_wave
  62. [62]
    Winamp 5.666 Trouble after Windows 10 update
    May 6, 2019 · The following inconsistencies happen after the start of Winamp: 1. A separate window with the Equlizer (Skin "Windows Classics") pops up outside of Winamp ...Windows 10 Issues with Winamp - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsCompatibility Mode Error - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsMore results from forums.winamp.comMissing: modern modes
  63. [63]
    Winamp enthousiasts - Windows 11 Forum
    Jan 21, 2023 · The last version I have is 5.666. Is that still the most"current" version? I love Winamp, but one problem I had on my W10 PC was when I ...
  64. [64]
    Nullsoft DOSamp - ReallyRareWares
    ... DOSamp extender created by Henrich Fukna that adds playlists support to the player. Date: 1998-01-10. Version: 0.8. Interface: Command line. Platform: DOS
  65. [65]
    Nullsoft to Bring WinAmp Player to Mac - AppleInsider
    Jan 18, 2001 · Nullsoft to Bring WinAmp Player to Mac ... According to sources, the Macintosh version of WinAmp will arrive as a port of the Windows version.Missing: history | Show results with:history
  66. [66]
    Winamp Mac - Macintosh Repository
    It is believed Winamp for Mac never made it past 0.7. x alpha for Mac OS 9, 0.8. x and up being compiled solely for Mac OS X.
  67. [67]
    Winamp for Linux - Winamp & Shoutcast Forums
    Nov 14, 2001 · It's a Winamp clone for Linux and it's much more stable than WA3 for linux (simply because it's not an alpha version). XMMS feels, and behaves a ...Missing: Xenon 2004
  68. [68]
    Winamp Android
    The standout feature of the android app is the free wireless syncing, which ... Release Date: December 10, 2010. Author: Nullsoft Version: 2.1/1.14
  69. [69]
    Winamp is coming to Android, but it's not what you think
    Apr 14, 2023 · The keen-eyed among you might remember that Winamp used to have an Android version years ago, but it was discontinued during one of many recent ...
  70. [70]
    Ending an Legacy - Winamp Media Player is Shutting Down!
    Feb 21, 2014 · Winamp.com website and all of Winamp's web services will shut down on December 20 2013, along with its music player for Windows and Mac, and Android App will ...
  71. [71]
    Winamp: new music platform and source code release - Ghacks
    May 17, 2024 · A new Winamp player and the final version of the Winamp platform will be released on July 1, 2024. The source code of the classic Winamp will ...Missing: revival ports
  72. [72]
    Winamp Player
    The Winamp player lets you listen to all your locally stored content. You can manage several playback modes by artist, album, playlist, and folder.Missing: 1.0 June 20, 1997
  73. [73]
    Winamp Easter Eggs - Eeggs.com
    1. Start Winamp 2.xx · 2. Type nullsoft slowly, pressing ESC after every L. · 3. Do it using the default skin. · 4. You'll see this message:"It really whips the ...
  74. [74]
    Winamp Easter Egg - Justin Frankel Photo (v2.0-v2.5e) - Eeggs.com
    Go to the Winamp About Box. 2. Stay on the "Winamp" tab. 3. Keep pressing Ctrl-Alt-Shift and double click on the Copyright line.
  75. [75]
    Easter eggs -- Amazing !!! - ProgrammerWorld.NET
    Open About Window in Winamp. Press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift. Now pass to the Credits Tab... An interesting screen with authors' photos and fire walls is gonna ...
  76. [76]
    Winamp Easter Eggs
    Apr 28, 2015 · Winamp Easter egg is an intentional inside joke, hidden message, or feature in a work such as a computer program, video game, movie, book, or crossword puzzle.
  77. [77]
    Complete list of WINAMP easter eggs - SB-Innovation
    Aug 30, 2010 · Egg 2: Type "nullsoft" in the main window. Since L is a shortcut key to open a file it is neccesary to pres "esc" after both L's. So you're ...
  78. [78]
    The great software Easter egg hunt: Day 3 – Winamp - Softonic
    Stretch the main player window until you can see the Beat visualisation, then hold down Ctrl+Alt+Shift and left-click in the centre of the small circle in the ...Missing: x | Show results with:x
  79. [79]
    Easter Eggs? - Winamp & Shoutcast Forums
    May 28, 2005 · How do I access the easter eggs on classic Winamp? I used to know the keyboard shortcut, but I forgot it. If anyone knows it, I'd appreciate it.about easter egg - Winamp & Shoutcast ForumsMilkDrop easy to implement on webpages with EatMe/JBerg ...More results from forums.winamp.comMissing: typing animation
  80. [80]
    What's the best Winamp alternative now that it is shutting down?
    Nov 21, 2013 · Other free alternatives besides the above mentioned AIMP, foobar2000, XMPlay (which has an outrageous GUI) and Clementine: 1by1, Qmmp, Xion ...
  81. [81]
    XMPlay vs Foobar2000 - Un4seen Developments
    Feb 25, 2003 · Because XMPlay can use Winamp 2.x input plugins you can't really say fb2k supports more formats, it's rather the other way round. Anyway ...Missing: open- source
  82. [82]
    MediaMonkey and Winamp Skins
    Each of these can easily be used with MediaMonkey as is, or customized with backgrounds so that the player skin matches the rest of MediaMonkey. For ...
  83. [83]
    WACUP
    Your updated classic media player experience.WACUP x64 Preview DownloadPreview buildUpdate WACUPChangelogsWACUP Screenshot Gallery
  84. [84]
    WACUP (WinAmp Community Update Project) - MajorGeeks.Com
    WACUP (WinAmp Community Update Project) is a freeware app that aims to keep Winamp alive by improving the app by fixing bugs and adding new features.
  85. [85]
    Winamp owner deletes 'Open Source' repository after a bumpy ...
    The contents of Winamp's “open source” GitHub repository has been deleted after less than a month. This move happened after its owners, Llama Group, received ...
  86. [86]
    Winamp Classic Skin - addons.videolan.org
    Aug 21, 2007 · This is THE Classic Winamp Skin. I think i saw another one around here, but it wasn't that good, so I made mi own. Hope you like it.
  87. [87]
    Gussy Up VLC with Winamp Classic Skins | Lifehacker
    Dec 27, 2007 · To change VLC's skin, load the program, hit the "Settings" menu, select "Switch interface" and then "Skins 2."