Warner inks distribution deal in China, bringing its library to local streaming sites

Warner QQ MusicWarner Music Group has entered into a distribution agreement with Tencent, a Chinese Internet conglomerate. Tencent will be responsible for distributing Warner’s catalog and new releases to local music services in China. The deal does not include licensing for global streaming operators (such as Spotify or YouTube) or mobile carriers; Warner will continue to control those arrangements.

One of the main platforms where Tencent will be providing Warner’s library is its proprietary streaming music platform, QQ Music. The free listening service is one of the longest-running in China. QQ Music focuses on Chinese musicians, although it does have some Western hits too. TechCrunch reported that most of China’s streaming services are ad-supported platforms; Warner hasn’t shared any of its plans for how it plans to monetize or what the financial details of its deal with Tencent.

“Providing music fans with access to high-quality music, and the right mix of regional and global artists, will be integral to the growth of the digital music sector in China,” said Stu Bergen, Warner Recorded Music’s international president. Warner recently acquired Gold Typhoon, a Chinese record label, that could further help it segue into the market.

Anna Washenko

Related Posts

Indigenous Screen Office (Canada) partners with Acast for inaugural podcast program

Global podcast behemoth Acast announces that it has partnered with the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) in Canada. Acast will support the ISO’s inaugural podcasting program — a plan to launch 12 indigenous-led podcasts. The ISO has allocated $300,000 to this effort.

Hit podcast SmartLess leaving Amazon for SiriusXM. And taking its 4 other shows.

It is a time of shaking loose from original network partnerships. Just as Joe Rogan and Alex Cooper are changing their exclusive relationships with Spotify, the hit podcast SmartLess is leaving its parent network Amazon Music and will be exclusively tied to SiriusXM for distribution and ad sales. Click for more.

You Missed

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency
Enjoy great online radio at AccuRadio!