AOL has announced it is closing down the famous media player Winamp, Digital Spy said.

After 15 years of providing PC users with an alternative player and local radio streams, Winamp will cease to be available from December 20.

The application was famed in the '90s and early '00s for allowing users to download skins, plug-ins and visualisations.

AOL bought Winamp from creators Nullsoft in 2002 for over $80 million in stock.

Despite attempts to turn its fortunes with a Mac and Android version later in its life, the media player has been unable to regain ground from more popular rivals such as iTunes.

No official reason is given for the closure but the website tells its users: "Thanks for supporting the Winamp community for over 15 years."