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'''Thumbplay''' is a U.S.-based [[subscription business model|subscription service]] that allows users to download music, video and games to their cell phones. Users can manage, store and share their mobile content online and on their wireless devices.
'''Thumbplay''' is an [[United States|American]] company which supplies content for cellular telephones, including [[ringtone]]s, [[Mobile wallpaper|wallpaper]]s, games and [[SMS]] subscription services. It was founded by [[Are Traasdahl]] and Evan Schwartz.


Thumbplay Inc., is backed by [[Bain Capital Ventures]], [[SoftBank Capital]], [[i-Hatch Ventures]], [[Redwood Partners]], [[New Enterprise Associates]] and [[Meritech]].
Headquartered in [[New York City]], Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by [[Are Traasdahl]] and Evan Schwartz. It is backed by [[Bain Capital Ventures]], [[SoftBank Capital]], [[i-Hatch Ventures]], [[Redwood Partners]], [[New Enterprise Associates]], [[Meritech]], [[Brookside Capital Partners]] and [[Cross Creek Capital]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedeal.com/techconfidential/vc-ratings/vc-ratings/thumbplay-grasps-growing-chunk.php |title=''Tech Confidential'', Thumbplay grasps growing chunk of mobile entertainment content sector, March 17, 2008}}</ref>


It was acquired by [[Clear Channel Radio]] in March 2011.
Reports indicate to the Better Business Bureau{{Fact|date=August 2007}} that consumers are signed up for service with this company without their knowledge and do not find out until they receive their phone bill. Some consumers entered their phone number on the Thumbplay website, not realizing that they would be signed up for a service and other were signed up after failing to respond to a text message from Thumbplay{{Fact|date=August 2007}}.


==Services==
The Better Business Bureau website shows that any consumer complaint against the company has been resolved.
Thumbplay's subscription service costs $9.99/month for access to 10 credits that can be redeemed for content in its online store. In addition, there is an advertising-supported community where consumers can upload mobile photos and videos and share these among other members. T-mobile users also filed complaints on third party billing scams. You can be charged for their service just by clicking an advertisement without even downloading their application on their phone.<ref name="converging">''Converging Media'', Mobile content firm sees long-term future in long-form video, April 11, 2008</ref>

Their download library contains audio, video and game downloads, including "premium content" licensed from most mainstream media and entertainment companies, as well as independent artists.<ref name="converging"/>

== Awards & Recognitions ==
In September 2010, Thumbplay is named Finalist in 2010 Music App Awards.<ref>[http://www.dmwmedia.com/blog/%5Buser%5D/billboard-names-2010-music-app-awards-finalists Billboard Names 2010 Music App Awards Finalists]</ref>

In June 2010, Thumbplay is named among [[MEFFY]] 2010 Finalists.<ref>[http://www.mobiadnews.com/?p=4640 MEFFY 2010 Finalists Announced]</ref>

In 2009, Thumbplay receives New York Ten Award as the Best Emerging CEO 2009.<ref>[http://www.tenawards.com/pdf/2010_ec_ta_sponsorships.pdf The 8th Annual Ten Awards]</ref>

In 2009, Thumbplay is listed among [[Webby Awards|Webby]]'s “Official Honorees”.<ref>[http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current_honorees.php?media_id=127&category_id=130&season=12 12th Annual Webby Awards Official Honoree Selections]</ref>

In 2009, Thumbplay receives Stevie Award for "Customer Service Leader of the Year".<ref>[http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/sales/awards/426_2613_19761.cfm The Stevie Awards For Sales & Customer Service]</ref>

In 2008, Thumbplay is named Best of the Web 2008 Music by [[BusinessWeek]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080421200839/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=12665994 Thumbplay, Inc. on BusinessWeek]</ref>

In 2008, the company is named [[Deloitte]]'s Rising Star 2008.<ref>[http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_US/us/Industries/Media-Entertainment/b2bbe8e99defd110VgnVCM100000ba42f00aRCRD.htm Ticket Software LLC Tops Deloitte’s 2008 NY...]</ref>

In 2008, Thumbplay is named to AlwaysOn Global 250 Top Private Companies 2008.<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/telecommunications/11407712-1.html Thumbplay Nabs Fifth Consecutive "AlwaysOn" Win.]</ref>

Thumbplay runs its customer care center out of Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, through a company called Tacamor Call Centers.

==Content & Distribution Partnerships==
Thumbplay has signed licensing deals with some of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies during the last two years. This includes deals with all four major record labels: [[Universal Music Group]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/universal-music-artists-on-your-phone |title=''Gadgetell'', 4/25/06, Universal music artists on your phone}}</ref> [[Sony BMG]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.la-story.com/tech/tech_talk_thumbplays_sony_team_up_for_killer_song |title=''LA-Story'', 2/21/08, Tech Talk: Thumbplays & Sony Team Up for Killer Song Collections!}}</ref> [[Warner Music Group]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moconews.net/entry/419-thumbplay-partners-with-warner-music-to-mark-its-fourth-music-label-dea |title=''mocoNews.net'', 7/10/08, Thumbplay Partners With Warner Music To Mark Its Fourth Music Label Deal}}</ref> and [[EMI]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/SUB/70131006 |title=''RCR Wireless News'', 1/31/07, Thumbplay inks EMI deal}}</ref> plus distributors l;ike [[Tunecore]], as well as media and entertainment companies like [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2006/10/11/mobile-downloads-store-thumbplay-to-sell-sony-pictures-content |title=''DigitalMediaWire'', 10/11/06, Mobile Downloads Store Thumbplay to Sell Sony Pictures Content}}</ref> [[Disney Interactive Media Group]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2006/09/15/mobile-content-retailer-thumbplay-to-sell-disney-content |title=''DigitalMediaWire'', 9/15/06, Mobile Content Retailer Thumbplay to Sell Disney Content}}</ref> [[Glu Mobile]], [[Hands-On Mobile]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2006/06/22/thumbplay-to-distribute-mobile-game-titles-from-hands-on-mobile |title=''DigitalMediaWire'', 6/22/06, Thumbplay to Distribute Mobile Game Titles from Hands-On Mobile}}</ref> [[Konami Digital Entertainment]], I-play, and [[Universal Pictures]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinereporter.com/article.php?article_id=11111 |title=''The Online Reporter'', 11/9/07, Thumbplay Partners with Universal Pictures, I-play}}</ref>

On the distribution side, Thumbplay has marketing partners both online and on the mobile web. These include the Web and mobile portals of [[AOL]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKN2134277420071022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022223636/http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKN2134277420071022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 22, 2007 |title=''Reuters'', 11/22/07, Thumbplay to provide mobile content to AOL | date=2007-10-22}}</ref> and [[MSN Mobile]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/content/185.html |title=''Mobile Marketer'', 12/11/07, Microsoft inks Thumbplay content deal for MSN Mobile}}</ref> Web sites for [[Entertainment Tonight]], [[A&E Network]], [[History (U.S. TV channel)|The History Channel]] and [[The Biography Channel]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/thumbplay-debuts-diy-mobile-content-sales-toolkit/2008-02-05 |title=''FierceMobileContent'', 2/5/08, Thumbplay debuts DIY mobile content sales toolkit}}</ref> as well as social music discovery services [[iLike]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2007/12/13/thumbplay-ilike |title=''Mashable'', 12/13/07, Ringtones on iLike, Powered by Thumbplay}}</ref> and Qloud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/thumbplay-and-qloud-team-ringtone-service/2007-12-20 |title=''FierceMobileContent'', 12/20/07, Thumbplay and Qloud team for ringtone service}}</ref> It is also partnered with Clear Channel Radio to operate mobile content stores across many of its stations’ websites throughout 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i92bd1040a7bbe9844f07c788e894a435 |title=''Billboard'', 3/24/08, Clear Channel To Add Thumbplay Store To Web Sites}}</ref>

Thumbplay is a member of the [[Mobile Marketing Association]], and adheres to the MMA's [http://www.mmaglobal.com/bestpractices.pdf Consumer Best Practices Guidelines].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://mmaglobal.com/modules/article/view.article.php/811 |title= Current Mobile Marketing Association Members |accessdate=2008-07-02}}</ref>

==Acquisition by Clear Channel Radio==
Thumbplay's partner Clear Channel Radio acquired it in March 2011.<ref>[http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110228007392/en/Clear-Channel-Radio-Announces-Acquisition-Thumbplay%E2%80%99s-Cloud-Based Clear Channel Radio Announces Acquisition of Thumbplay’s Cloud-Based Music Business] March 01, 2011</ref>

==Consumer concerns==
Thumbplay has been the target of numerous complaints that it does not immediately honour stop requests but instead continues to bill customers monthly fees after they request a cancellation, even if the customer does not continue to request any ringtones or wallpapers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://classactionconnect.com/cell_phone_issues/2007/08/30/thumbplay-inc-48000-71073-66075-40443/ |title=Thumbplay Inc.: Cell Phone Bill Complaints |accessdate=2008-04-25}}</ref>


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.thumbplay.com Thumbplay website]
*[http://www.newyork.bbb.org/reports/businessreports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=90831 New York times report]


===Articles===
*[http://www.fiercewireless.com/ctialive/story/getting-on-deck/20 Getting On Deck with Off Deck, ''FierceWireless'']
*[http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003782114 Moving Out: A New World of Sources for Mobile Content, ''Billboard'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080420024422/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/apr2008/tc20080414_287344.htm Bypassing Carriers for Mobile Content, ''BusinessWeek Online'']
*[http://www.wirelessweek.com/Article-Ring-and-a-Prayer.aspx Ringtones: A Ring & A Prayer, ''Wireless Week'']

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}


[[Category:Online music stores of the United States]]
{{US-company-stub}}
{{tech-company-stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:05, 13 September 2024

Thumbplay is a U.S.-based subscription service that allows users to download music, video and games to their cell phones. Users can manage, store and share their mobile content online and on their wireless devices.

Headquartered in New York City, Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by Are Traasdahl and Evan Schwartz. It is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, SoftBank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures, Redwood Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Meritech, Brookside Capital Partners and Cross Creek Capital.[1]

It was acquired by Clear Channel Radio in March 2011.

Services

[edit]

Thumbplay's subscription service costs $9.99/month for access to 10 credits that can be redeemed for content in its online store. In addition, there is an advertising-supported community where consumers can upload mobile photos and videos and share these among other members. T-mobile users also filed complaints on third party billing scams. You can be charged for their service just by clicking an advertisement without even downloading their application on their phone.[2]

Their download library contains audio, video and game downloads, including "premium content" licensed from most mainstream media and entertainment companies, as well as independent artists.[2]

Awards & Recognitions

[edit]

In September 2010, Thumbplay is named Finalist in 2010 Music App Awards.[3]

In June 2010, Thumbplay is named among MEFFY 2010 Finalists.[4]

In 2009, Thumbplay receives New York Ten Award as the Best Emerging CEO 2009.[5]

In 2009, Thumbplay is listed among Webby's “Official Honorees”.[6]

In 2009, Thumbplay receives Stevie Award for "Customer Service Leader of the Year".[7]

In 2008, Thumbplay is named Best of the Web 2008 Music by BusinessWeek.[8]

In 2008, the company is named Deloitte's Rising Star 2008.[9]

In 2008, Thumbplay is named to AlwaysOn Global 250 Top Private Companies 2008.[10]

Thumbplay runs its customer care center out of Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, through a company called Tacamor Call Centers.

Content & Distribution Partnerships

[edit]

Thumbplay has signed licensing deals with some of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies during the last two years. This includes deals with all four major record labels: Universal Music Group,[11] Sony BMG,[12] Warner Music Group,[13] and EMI,[14] plus distributors l;ike Tunecore, as well as media and entertainment companies like Sony Pictures Home Entertainment,[15] Disney Interactive Media Group,[16] Glu Mobile, Hands-On Mobile,[17] Konami Digital Entertainment, I-play, and Universal Pictures.[18]

On the distribution side, Thumbplay has marketing partners both online and on the mobile web. These include the Web and mobile portals of AOL[19] and MSN Mobile,[20] Web sites for Entertainment Tonight, A&E Network, The History Channel and The Biography Channel,[21] as well as social music discovery services iLike[22] and Qloud.[23] It is also partnered with Clear Channel Radio to operate mobile content stores across many of its stations’ websites throughout 2008.[24]

Thumbplay is a member of the Mobile Marketing Association, and adheres to the MMA's Consumer Best Practices Guidelines.[25]

Acquisition by Clear Channel Radio

[edit]

Thumbplay's partner Clear Channel Radio acquired it in March 2011.[26]

Consumer concerns

[edit]

Thumbplay has been the target of numerous complaints that it does not immediately honour stop requests but instead continues to bill customers monthly fees after they request a cancellation, even if the customer does not continue to request any ringtones or wallpapers.[27]

[edit]

Articles

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Tech Confidential, Thumbplay grasps growing chunk of mobile entertainment content sector, March 17, 2008".
  2. ^ a b Converging Media, Mobile content firm sees long-term future in long-form video, April 11, 2008
  3. ^ Billboard Names 2010 Music App Awards Finalists
  4. ^ MEFFY 2010 Finalists Announced
  5. ^ The 8th Annual Ten Awards
  6. ^ 12th Annual Webby Awards Official Honoree Selections
  7. ^ The Stevie Awards For Sales & Customer Service
  8. ^ Thumbplay, Inc. on BusinessWeek
  9. ^ Ticket Software LLC Tops Deloitte’s 2008 NY...
  10. ^ Thumbplay Nabs Fifth Consecutive "AlwaysOn" Win.
  11. ^ "Gadgetell, 4/25/06, Universal music artists on your phone".
  12. ^ "LA-Story, 2/21/08, Tech Talk: Thumbplays & Sony Team Up for Killer Song Collections!".
  13. ^ "mocoNews.net, 7/10/08, Thumbplay Partners With Warner Music To Mark Its Fourth Music Label Deal".
  14. ^ "RCR Wireless News, 1/31/07, Thumbplay inks EMI deal".
  15. ^ "DigitalMediaWire, 10/11/06, Mobile Downloads Store Thumbplay to Sell Sony Pictures Content".
  16. ^ "DigitalMediaWire, 9/15/06, Mobile Content Retailer Thumbplay to Sell Disney Content".
  17. ^ "DigitalMediaWire, 6/22/06, Thumbplay to Distribute Mobile Game Titles from Hands-On Mobile".
  18. ^ "The Online Reporter, 11/9/07, Thumbplay Partners with Universal Pictures, I-play".
  19. ^ "Reuters, 11/22/07, Thumbplay to provide mobile content to AOL". 2007-10-22. Archived from the original on October 22, 2007.
  20. ^ "Mobile Marketer, 12/11/07, Microsoft inks Thumbplay content deal for MSN Mobile".
  21. ^ "FierceMobileContent, 2/5/08, Thumbplay debuts DIY mobile content sales toolkit".
  22. ^ "Mashable, 12/13/07, Ringtones on iLike, Powered by Thumbplay".
  23. ^ "FierceMobileContent, 12/20/07, Thumbplay and Qloud team for ringtone service".
  24. ^ "Billboard, 3/24/08, Clear Channel To Add Thumbplay Store To Web Sites".
  25. ^ "Current Mobile Marketing Association Members". Retrieved 2008-07-02.
  26. ^ Clear Channel Radio Announces Acquisition of Thumbplay’s Cloud-Based Music Business March 01, 2011
  27. ^ "Thumbplay Inc.: Cell Phone Bill Complaints". Retrieved 2008-04-25.
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