UMG Becomes First Major Label/Publisher To License With Facebook, Instagram

Universal Music Group (UMG) will become the first major music company to license its recorded music and publishing catalogs for video and other social experiences across Facebook, Instagram and Oculus.

The global, multi-year agreement marks the first time, in well over a decade, that the world’s largest social media company has made such a move.

According to the release, the deal will allow Facebook users to upload videos that contain licensed music and personalize music experiences across the Facebook-0wned properties while sharing videos with friends and family. In time, functionality will expand to enable access to a vast library of music across a series of social features. The deal is also said to be intended to serve as a foundation for a strategic partnership roadmap that will deliver new music-based experiences online.

Going forward, the companies will experiment in introducing the next generation of music-based products to these Facebook platforms, including Messenger.

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.”

Michael Nash, Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy, UMG, 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.”