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.