Amazon's new Amp app lets you DJ your own radio shows

Amazon revealed a new free-to-use app today called Amp that lets you DJ your very own radio shows. Naturally, the idea of streaming music sparks questions regarding copyright issues as other streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube are notoriously strict about the music you can and can’t use.

Fortunately, Amazon has this covered with songs you’re able to play on Amp all coming from Amazon’s library of licensed songs.

The Amp app isn’t about the music exclusively either as the idea is for you to be a DJ, curating music and commenting on it. Amp will let you play music in real-time for your audience, pre-plan and schedule shows, and listeners can even call in and chat with you (if you want).

Currently, Amp is available as part of a limited-access beta for iPhone users. To test it out, you’ll need an invite to the beta, with sign-ups for the waiting list open now.

If you want to get a feel for Amp as a listener, the limited beta will feature shows with celebrity DJs including Nicki Minaj who’ll bring back her radio show Queen Radio on Amp.

Other celebrity-hosted shows you can look forward to on Amp include ones from Pusha T, Tinashe, Lindsey Stirling, Travis Barker, Lil Yachty, Big Boi, Tefi Pessoa, and Nikita Dragun. It’ll also feature radio hosts Zach Sang, Kat Corbett, Christian James Hand, and Guy Raz, along with writers from the music and culture publication, The Fader.

“Radio has always been about music and culture,” remarked John Ciancutti, Vice President of Amp.

“But imagine if you were inventing the medium for the first time today. You’d combine what people love about radio – spontaneous talk, new music discovery, diverse personalities, and broad programming – with all that’s made possible by today’s technology. You’d make it so anybody with a phone, a voice, and a love for music could make their own show. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. Amp makes it possible for you to grab the mic and run the airwaves. We are creating a new version of radio that will have an infinite dial of shows.”