Facebook Announces New Multi Year Licensing Deal With Universal Music Group

Earlier today, Facebook announced a game changing licensing deal with Universal Music Group. The unprecedented deal will allow Facebook, Instagram and VR platform Oculus users to experience music sharing in a whole new way by making UMG’s recorded and publishing catalogs available for videos and “other social experiences”.

So what does this mean? For starters, Facebook and Instagram users can now upload and share videos that contain licensed music without the threat of consequences for copyright infringement. This deal will also lead to further enhancements in sharing, personalizing, and experimentation with music products and social media. According to Thursday’s internal memo, the landmark deal is highly anticipated by both parties and is a major step forward in combining music and social media.

“As with our deal with Spotify earlier this year and our license renewal with YouTube, our deal with Facebook leverages the experience we’ve gained and the wealth of data we’ve amassed to win both greater flexibility as to how our music is offered to the public as well as fairer compensation for our artists — as we continually refine the balance between direct promotion and monetization.” – Lucian Grainge, UMG Chairman/CEO.

“There is a magnetic relationship between music and community building. We are excited to bring that to life on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus and Messenger in partnership with UMG. Music lovers, artists and writers will all be right at home as we open up creativity, connection and innovation through music and video.” – Tamar Hrivnak, Head of Music Business Development and Partnerships at Facebook.

“Together, Facebook and UMG are creating a dynamic new model for collaboration between music companies and social platforms to advance the interests of recording artists and songwriters while enhancing the social experience of music for their fans. This partnership is an important first step demonstrating that innovation and fair compensation for music creators are mutually reinforcing – they thrive together.” – Michael Nash, Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy, Universal Music Group

Facebook is also said to be in talks with Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group, which should open the floodgates and allow users to creatively share the music they love without their videos being taken down or their accounts being deactivating for violating copyright laws.

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Facebook Announces New Multi Year Licensing Deal With Universal Music Group