Internet Archive releases Winamp Skins Collection

The Internet Archive published a huge collection of skins for the media player Winamp the other day which anyone may browse and download.

Winamp is still a popular media player despite the fact that it has not really received a meaningful update in recent years.

While a development version of Winamp 5.8 leaked to the Internet recently, it appears that Winamp development is more dead than alive.

The media player is still used by millions, however as it works considerably well, even when you run it on newer versions of the Windows operating system.

Skins were always a big part of the Winamp experience. Users could download and install hundreds of skins for the player to change its interface. From skins that simply changed colors to full conversions, custom skins offered something for all users.

Ownership changed in 2014 and while Winamp survived most of the content that was on the classic website did not. Users had to go elsewhere to download skins or plugins for the media player, and the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine offered access to most of the content.

Winamp Skins Collection

Just head over to the Winamp Skins Collection page on the Internet Archive website to browse the selection of skins for the media player. You get the usual filter, search and sort options, and a preview of each skin by default.

A click on a skin displays it as a larger preview that is sometimes animated.  Winamp users can download skins from the Internet Archive website or follow the link to the Webamp website to see it in action in any modern web browser.

Webamp is web-based version of the Winamp player. Webamp, the online player that supports Winamp skins, runs in any modern browser on any operating system.

You can load local music in the player and play it right away, or play the default playlist instead. Some features are limited, however. It is not possible for instance to play Internet Radio using Webamp.

Winamp users need to drop the skin file on the player interface to install it. Note that this may require elevation and that you will get an "are you sure" prompt. The skin is then available just like any of the default skins.

If you use Webamp, simply right-click on the player on the Webamp website and select Skins > Load Skin to select a skin from the local system.

Closing words

While I prefer AIMP over Winamp, as the former is in active developed, I know quite a few users who still use Winamp for audio playback on their devices.

A central repository for Winamp skins is a welcome addition to the Internet Archive. The organization has added numerous collections to the archive in recent years. From arcade games, DOS games and other games that you can play online or download, to computer magazines, and music collections.

Now You: which media player do you use?

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