• by Mark Walsh  @markfwal, September 29, 2011

Content discovery app Shazam today announced it would permanently provide unlimited tagging within its free app for iOS and Android devices. Previously, there was a limit of five tags per month, as when the app "tags" a song's name when someone holds their phone up to the radio to find out what it is. More recently, Shazam has extended its service to television, allowing users to tag select TV programs and commercials for discounts and exclusive content.

Instead of limiting tagging to help drive people to its paid Shazam Encore app, the company will now encourage users to more actively use the free version to interact with their favorite music, TV shows and brands.

Shazam's free app is supported primarily by advertising, exclusive sponsorships and product sales. Capital One Financial Corporation is the launch sponsor for unlimited tagging in the free Shazam App globally on iOS and Android.

In connection with the shift to ongoing unlimited tagging, Shazam is running a sweepstakes giving people a chance to win $25,000 and meet singer Kelly Clarkson. Each time someone "Shazams" a song, they have a chance to win the cash prize and meet Clarkson, who will be on tour in early 2012 promoting her forthcoming album "Stronger."

Earlier this year, eBay had sponsored unlimited song-tagging on Shazam for a set period.