Facebook and Universal strike landmark music licensing deal

Facebook and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced a global multi-year deal that will allow the music company to license its recorded music and publishing catalogs for video and other social experiences across Facebook, Instagram and Oculus.

Users will be able to upload videos that contain licensed music and personalise their music experiences – with functionality eventually expanding to enable access to a “vast library” of music across a series of social features.

The companies said they will also experiment with introducing new music-based products to Facebook platforms, including Messenger, with the goal of “catalysing innovation to develop the next generation of music products that best engage social consumers.”

UMG’s executive vice president of digital strategy, Michael Nash, said the partnership is an “important first step demonstrating that innovation and fair compensation for music creators are mutually reinforcing – they thrive together.

“We look forward to Facebook becoming a significant contributor to a healthy ecosystem for music that will benefit artists, fans and all those who invest in bringing great music to the world.”

Tamara Hrivnak, head of music business development and partnerships, Facebook, said: “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.”