What Meta and Universal Music Group’s Licensing Deal Means for AI in Music

• Expansion to New Platforms: The new multiyear deal now includes licensed content on Threads and WhatsApp, in addition to Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Meta Horizon.
• Enhanced Artist Compensation: The expanded deal ensures fair compensation for artists and songwriters, reinforcing Meta’s dedication to supporting the creative community.
• Global Collaboration: The expanded agreement reinforces Meta and UMG’s commitment to supporting artists and songwriters globally through enhanced revenue opportunities.
• AI-Generated Music: Meta commits to identifying and preventing the use of unauthorized AI-generated music that mimics real artists, addressing a growing concern in the industry.
• Historical Partnership: Meta and UMG have had a licensing agreement since 2017, initially focused on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to combat copyright infringement.
• Comparison to TikTok: The Meta-UMG agreement effectively manages issues TikTok struggled with, including the removal and subsequent reinstatement of music by major artists like Taylor Swift.
• Market Impact: UMG’s recent termination of a music video streaming partnership with Meta highlights a strategic shift toward other music products that resonate better with users.

Why This Matters: This expanded agreement not only strengthens the relationship between Meta and UMG but also sets a precedent for how the industry might tackle the challenges posed by AI in music creation. It ensures artists are fairly compensated while protecting their creative rights in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.