Vevo may jump to Facebook, posts song-matching iPhone app
updated 09:45 am EST, Fri January 20, 2012
Vevo may drop YouTube for Facebook in hosting
Music video provider Vevo might shift its library from YouTube to Facebook if leaks are accurate. The service is believed in "very preliminary" talks that would see Facebook host the content and split ad revenue, CNET understood. The two sides had met "at least twice" and as recently as within two weeks.
Neither side has confirmed the discussions.
Facebook would likely want to get the Vevo deal to boost its smaller statures both in music and professionally-made video, along with spiting its frequent nemesis Google. The social network might also be concerned that, as it gets established, many of its members are now visiting just periodically and could use music videos as a reason to come back. Google has benefited significantly from having Vevo linked to YouTube, though, and may be willing to pay a premium to keep the traffic and emphasis on professional videos over bootleg song rips.
In the meantime, Vevo this week updated its iOS app (App Store) to introduce song matching. the new version has access to an iPhone or iPod's music library and can create a custom playlist of videos that reflect the listener's personal collection. The app needs iOS 4.0 or later and doesn't yet have an equivalent Android update.
