In a major move that promises to reshape the music industry’s relationship with social media, Meta and Universal Music Group have announced an expanded global agreement. This multi-year deal aims to enhance the creative and commercial possibilities for UMG artists and songwriters across Meta’s vast network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram,WhatsApp, and more.

While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, both companies have expressed their shared commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of human creators in the music industry. This includes ensuring fair compensation for artists and songwriters and collaborating to address the growing challenge of unauthorized AI-generated content that could infringe on their rights.

The partnership will also open up new revenue streams for UMG and its artists, particularly in the realm of short-form video, a format that has exploded in popularity across Meta’s platforms. This builds on the foundation laid in 2017 when UMG became the first major music company to license its music catalogs across Facebook’s platforms.

Tamara Hrivnak, Meta’s VP of Music and Content Business Development, expressed enthusiasm for the renewal,highlighting UMG’s innovative role in shaping the music experience on social media. Michael Nash, UMG’s Chief Digital Officer, echoed this sentiment, commending Meta’s dedication to artists and emphasizing their shared vision of respecting human creativity and ensuring fair compensation.

This landmark agreement signals a promising future for music on social media, where artists and fans can connect and engage in more meaningful ways. It also sends a powerful message that the industry is taking proactive steps to safeguard the rights of creators in the age of AI. As technology continues to evolve, this partnership between Meta and UMG stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a more creative, equitable, and sustainable music landscape.