Meta Platforms and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced an expansion of their global music licensing agreement, which now includes music licensing for WhatsApp, a first for the partnership. The updated multi-year deal aims to enhance opportunities for artists and songwriters across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
A key component of the expanded agreement is a commitment to combat unauthorized AI-generated content, ensuring that artists and songwriters are fairly compensated. UMG Chief Digital Officer Michael Nash emphasized the importance of respecting human creativity and protecting artists’ rights against misuse of their work by AI technologies.
The collaboration between Meta and UMG began in 2017, when UMG became the first major music company to license its catalog for Meta’s platforms. Over the years, the partnership has allowed artists to explore new channels, including virtual reality environments via Meta Quest devices. The latest expansion now broadens these opportunities to include WhatsApp, further integrating music into Meta’s ecosystem.
