Tech Desk
Aug 12, 2024
Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) are announcing a new, multi-year licensing agreement, building upon the one in effect since 2017. The deal will enable users to upload videos and content using UMG music onto Meta's platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Meta Horizon.
The new deal introduces licensing for short-form videos on Threads and WhatsApp, alongside more general licencing to prevent unpaid-for artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content which may harm artists and songwriters.
According to Meta's VP of music and content business development, Tamara Hrivnak, with this new partnership, the two companies can now do things together in new ways on WhatsApp and beyond.
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It's a broad deal, with AI placed front and centre above Meta's content in ways TikTok struggled to lock down. In February, TikTok removed the videos that used UMG music and content connected with Universal Music Publishing Group, only to later end the feud and allow music by artists such as Taylor Swift and Drake back on the platform.
This collaboration between Meta, UMG, and Universal Music Publishing Group will entail several concerns, which include copyright infringement and possible AI-generated content as part of an unauthorized bulk upload.
Indeed, the agreement is multifaceted in nature, having two parts and enabling different ways of collaboration among the companies.
The deal comes as a big win for Meta, which gives users access to the vast library of songs UMG offers across its social apps. Adding Threads and WhatsApp means there will be more places within which users can engage with music content.
