Universal Music Group, Amazon expand global relationship

Dec 24, 2024

Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer

By Kennedy Felton (Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer), Harry Fogle (Video Editor)

Universal Music Group (UMG) and Amazon are joining forces to create what they’re calling “Streaming 2.0.” The two companies have announced an expanded partnership to foster innovations in music streaming.

Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™

In a press release on Monday, Dec. 23, UMG and Amazon revealed their plans to enhance product offerings, including new audiobooks and livestreaming content opportunities. According to the companies, the changes aim to further “authentic engagement between artists and fans.”

Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.

Point phone camera here

Fighting AI-generated content and protecting creators

The partnership also focuses on addressing the growing concerns surrounding AI-generated content. Both companies say they are committed to fighting fraud and ensuring that creators are protected from misuse of their work.

UMG’s efforts to protect artists

UMG has been safeguarding its artists, especially on platforms like TikTok. Earlier this year, UMG removed music by major artists like Taylor Swift and Drake from the app due to a licensing dispute. The disagreement primarily stemmed from fair compensation issues and AI-generated music’s impact on TikTok.

While UMG works to address these challenges, a larger issue remains: artists are not receiving fair pay from streaming services. Many musicians earn a fraction of a penny per stream on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Despite millions of users and views, the content creators see very little in return.

Strengthening the Amazon-UMG relationship

Steve Boom, Amazon’s vice president of Audio, Twitch, and Games, stated, “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 follows a 2022 partnership between UMG and Amazon, which allowed Amazon Music and Twitch users to access more UMG content. The collaboration is poised to bring even more opportunities for artists and fans alike.

Tags: amazon, Artificial Intelligence, Music, music rights, TikTok, Twitch.tv

[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.