Meta and Universal Music Group Expand Global Licensing

Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) have expanded their licensing agreement to cover more platforms, ensuring fair compensation for artists and addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated music.

Meta and Universal Music Group Expand Licensing Deal – Key Points

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.