20 August 2009 | Author: Katie Todd

MySpace beats Facebook to iLike music service

As much as social networking is about keeping in touch with your friends, when it comes to rival websites the battle gets as furious as between the worst of enemies. Recently, in spite of having iLike as the top music application on its site, Facebook was turned down in its bid to acquire the popular service - in favour of MySpace becoming the new owner.

One of the oldest social networking sites still on the go, MySpace has seen dwindling user numbers since rival sites like Facebook and Twitter hit the scene, both of which have gained acclaim and public attention in recent times.

So what better way to get back at Facebook than to nab its top music application? Although it's currently unknown exactly how the acquisition will affect Facebook, there could be an adverse reaction from the social networking website and, as around 80 per cent of iLike's traffic is estimated to come from Facebook. If the website chooses to block or restrict the application, iLike could see a significant hit.

However, MySpace is confident it can enjoy a fresh now beginning with its new toy, with the BBC reporting that CEO Own Van Natta said: "The iLike acquisition advances our relentless pursuit of innovation.

"Music entertainment is an important piece of people's lives."

iLike president Hadi Partovi said: "I'm enthusiastic about what this combination will mean for our users, artists, advertisers, and our staff.

"We are beginning an exciting new journey together."

It's up in the air as to how Facebook will react to the deal, where MySpace offered a better price and, as Mike Arrington blogged, a better "fit with the buyer". It'll be interesting to see whether Facebook continues to let users enjoy the music recommendation service or decides to fight fire with fire and create its own competing service.