UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP has inked a global deal with FACEBOOK to license its recorded music and publishing catalogs to the social media giant for use in video across its Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Oculus platforms. Users will be permitted to upload videos with licensed music from UMG under the agreement, and the companies plan to experiment with new music-based products for the platforms. The parties say that the licensing deal is the first between a major music company and Facebook.
FACEBOOK Head of Music Business Development and Partnerships TAMARA HRIVNAK 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.”
UMG EVP of Digital Strategy MICHAEL NASH said, “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. 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.”