Deezer launches in the U.S.

Deezer has made its long-awaited full launch in the U.S. The on-demand streaming service’s Premium+ subscription – complete with its Flow personalized soundtrack feature, Channels for discovery, and lyrics display – is now directly available to all U.S. listeners. It will have a web option and mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. New subscribers will have a 30-day free trial of the Premium+ service, which will cost $9.99 a month thereafter. It will not have a free access option.

The company’s launch into the U.S. has been a long time coming. Deezer’s strategy to date for the U.S. market has centered on targeted audiences. Its first foray came through a focused tie-up with Sonos, followed by deals with Bose and wireless carrier Cricket. The music service will still be available on those platforms.

Deezer joins a crowded U.S. market of streaming music services, and crowds it further. When Deezer debuted as a boutique subscription for Sonos customers, the U.S. streaming landscape was more of an open playing field. Since then, however, Apple Music launched and Pandora announced plans to add on-demand. The services that were prominent have had almost two years to cement their market positions. Deezer may face an uphill climb in gaining traction with the average listener, especially since the basic feature set and price point are similar to the existing market options.