The iconic Winamp media player is officially back in the spotlight! After a promise made in May 2024, Winamp has now released its complete source code on GitHub, opening the door for developers to collaborate and breathe new life into the once-beloved software.
Launched in 1997 by Nullsoft, Winamp was a game-changer for music lovers, offering a simple but powerful interface, wide support for audio formats, and a custom skin system that allowed users to personalize their experience. It quickly became a favorite, especially during the MP3 boom. However, after being acquired by AOL, development slowed down, and Winamp was discontinued in 2013.
Fast forward to 2014, when Radionomy took over with hopes of reviving the player. But the market had shifted to streaming services, and Winamp never fully regained its former glory. That brings us to 2024, when the Winamp team decided to make a bold move—releasing the source code to the public on September 24, nearly 30 years after its initial release.
Now available on GitHub, developers can dive in, fix bugs, and add new features to the nostalgic player. However, the license restricts the distribution of modified versions of the software.
Within just 24 hours of the code release, the Winamp repository on GitHub has already gained 2,500 stars and 600 forks, as developers rush to help modernize the aging code and bring it into the 21st century. For those who remember Winamp as the go-to media player back in the day, this feels like a perfect opportunity for a comeback.
