Apple extends iTunes to Bebo social network

Apple today announced a deal that will expand its popular iTunes music service into the realm of social networking. The company on Wednesday announced a deal to embed its iTunes music download service into the Bebo website, according to The Financial Times . Initially, the deal will be limited to UK and Ireland, but could eventually extend to its entire user base of 33 million users. The San Francisco-based Bebo network has nearly 9 million users and 500,000 musicians in UK and Ireland--all of whom will now be able to buy music directly from the profile of any musician who has a Bebo profile and whose music is available on iTunes, making it the first time Apple has linked iTunes to a social networking site, the report claimed. The report says that more than 4,000 bands sign up on the site each day, creating a huge selection of potential iTunes music.

"The deal with Bebo will give Apple a deeper reach into the market segment of 16- to 24-year-olds, who are both keen users of social networking sites, and key consumers of music," FT reported. "Some 32 percent of 16- to 24-year-old internet users visit social networking sites at least once a month, making the demographic the leader of the social networking trend."

Bebo will reportedly also offer a platform for iTunes to promote lesser-known artists. Much like iTunes current "Single of the Week" promo, the site will offer users a free music download each week in a continued effort to introduce new artists and releases.