MUMBAI: Social networking site Facebook is teaming up with Apple to create an alternative musical universe to Rupert Murdoch`s MySpace. Facebook has allegedly been working on an artist platform that will act as a showcase for new and existing talent, with pages created by solo artists, bands and record labels.

Key to the success of the venture is a series of widget plug-ins that will enable one to buy tracks from the featured artists says a report. One of the plugs-in will apparently fire users over to Apple`s iTunes Store. The arrival of a Facebook artist platform could initiate a wave of defections from MySpace, which is seen as gaudy and cluttered when compared to the minimalist look that Facebook has.

This also won`t be the first time that Apple and Facebook have come together. Facebook`s programmers have already created an iPhone-friendly version of their website - and Apple has previously run iTunes promos with Facebook aimed at US college students, say reports.