What is "thumbplay"

Thumbplay is a U.S.-based subscription service that allows users to download music, video and games to their cell phones. Users can manage, store and share their mobile content online and on their wireless devices. But recent complaints for "third party billing" to cell phone carriers, disguised on Verizon as "Premium Text Messaging," are certain to lead to legal headaches.

Headquartered in New York City, Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by Are Traasdahl and Evan Schwartz. It is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, SoftBank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures, Redwood Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Meritech, Brookside Capital Partners and Cross Creek Capital.

It was acquired by Clear Channel Radio in March 2011 but still has a "classic" site online.