Qtrax is a free and legal peer-to-peer music service with a catch. The ad supported proprietary software allows users to download music onto their own computers. The files are formatted and stored in a way that makes it difficult to copy. Streaming banner ads move across the screen as users listen. Qtrax is legal because 66% of the ad revenue goes to the major labels. Qtrax is having some last minute contract issues with Warner Music, which they hope to resolve soon.

Ad supported music? Nice try. There are already some good services out there. It is a step in the right direction. People do want music on demand and it’s good that the labels are on board. I’m just concerned about the ad supported model. People are getting better at avoiding ads. Sometimes they don’t looking at the screen when they listen to music. The biggest selling point of Qtrax is the song selection. Over 25,000,000 songs. That type of selection is the main reason why I’m going to give it a try.

Filed under: Emerging Tech, Luis Carranza, Personal Opinions, Social Media Marketing, Technology