Last.fm rolling out new video service: “Last.tv”

In the grand scheme of online streaming, three big names including Pandora, Spotify, and Last.fm could be considered the “big 3″ of their market. If you love the latter, you’re going to want to pay close attention to their new project titled: “Last.tv”. This new venture will revolve around (obviously) video content. Initially, CBS owned Last.tv will feature content from music festivals across Europe and is reported to be launching this coming January. Until then, CBS will be hard at work lining up sponsors and pre/post-video advertisers. Last.fm has so far enjoyed pretty widespread popularity with these new goals aiming to expand their brand name globally by pulling on board new technologies and services.

Adding video to the mix is a smart move that should bolster Last.fm’s presence. What’s interesting is that Last.tv will be available both online and offline, as well as operate separately from it’s music based sibling. Though initially, the new site will piggy back on Last.fm which will be the only way to access Last.tv at launch.

Taking on video will mean new competitors for the UK born streaming service with the most notable and immediate threat being YouTube. One leg Last.tv should have is that while YouTube initially started on not so stellar terms with music labels and had to “earn” their way to said content, Last.fm has enjoyed a relatively rosey relationship with the same labels. Hopefully for the greater good, this relationship transgresses over to the video site, Last.tv.

I’ve gone ahead and shot an email to Last.fm inquiring further, specifically on any U.S. plans for Last.tv service. I’ll keep you guys (and gals) update as I find out more.

Pocket-lint > MusicWeek