During SiriusXM’s “Next Generation” event in New York, the company unveiled an overhauled streaming app with a refined media player, enhanced search functions, a personalized “For You” page, an expanded content library, and more.
Accompanying the app reveal, the audio entertainment giant introduced a new logo, replacing the radio waves beside the brand name. The updated logo now showcases the letter S with a star at its center, symbolizing SiriusXM’s commitment to “embracing the stars” and its pledge to bring listeners closer, as per the company’s press release. They also introduced a new puppy mascot named Stella and an online store for purchasing SiriusXM-branded merchandise.
The redesigned app aims to offer listeners a user-friendly streaming experience with a focus on content discovery. Notable features include four curated sections, including a personalized For You page and dedicated sections for music, podcasts, and sports; a revamped search homepage; live listening updates for sports; speed control and key moments marker for podcasts; offline listening and download capabilities; and the ability for users to save favorite content in one place. Additionally, when listeners exhaust their skips, alternative recommendations will be provided.
SiriusXM’s updated streaming app is set to roll out starting December 14 on iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, with plans to expand to additional platforms in early 2024.
The move appears to be SiriusXM’s bid to connect with younger generations who have shifted away from traditional radio. To attract new users, the company is introducing guest DJ channel takeovers from over 160 artists, including Gen Z pop star Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Luke Combs, Alice Cooper, and more.
SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz expressed, “With the new SiriusXM, we are putting our differentiators at the forefront and welcoming in a new generation of listeners, bringing them closer to what they love.”
In addition to these changes, SiriusXM is expanding its content library with new channels and shows hosted or curated by Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, James Corden, Shaggy, and others.
Looking ahead, SiriusXM outlined plans for the coming year, including a distribution relationship with Amazon-owned Audible and an expanded agreement with automotive brand Polestar.
In its third-quarter results released last week, SiriusXM reported a loss of 94,000 satellite subscribers and 112,000 Pandora subscribers. The company acquired Pandora in 2018, but the music streaming service has struggled to retain monthly active users in competition with industry giants like Spotify and Apple Music. In 2020, SiriusXM acquired podcasting app Stitcher for $325 million and earlier this year underwent layoffs, impacting 8% of its workforce across nearly all departments, affecting 475 employees.
