[KENNEDY FELTON]
Big news in the music streaming world – Universal Music Group and Amazon are teaming up on a fresh new deal, expanding their partnership to create what they’re calling “Streaming 2.0.”
In a Monday press release, they shared plans to level up new product opportunities, including audiobooks and livestreaming content, to bring artists and fans even closer together.
The partnership also aims to tackle the growing issues of AI-generated content, working to combat fraud and make sure creators are protected.
UMG has been very proactive about protecting its artists, even taking a stand against TikTok earlier this year when songs from artists like Taylor Swift and Drake were temporarily removed. UMG and the social media app couldn’t agree on a new licensing deal, mainly about fair pay for artists and the impact of AI music on the platform.
UMG is trying to fix that. They’ve partnered with AI companies in the past to open up exciting new opportunities that will still keep it ethical and creative.
But beyond that, there’s a bigger issue in the streaming world – artists are not paid fairly. The money artists earn from streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music is minimal, with most artists earning a fraction of a penny per stream. So, while streaming platforms rack up millions of users and views, the creators who make it all possible are left with very little.
Steve Boom, the VP of Audio, Twitch and Games for Amazon says “UMG has always been a collaborative partner to Amazon Music, and as we continue to invent and introduce more artist-to-fan connections through our product and exclusive content, we’re redefining what it means to be a streaming service.”
This new deal is a step after their 2022 partnership, which opened doors for Amazon Music and Twitch users to access more UMG content.