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Facebook and Universal reach licensing deal

Universal Music Group has signed a global, multi-year licensing deal with Facebook, marking a big legal development for how and where music might start showing up on the social network. Universal is the first major label to ink a licensing deal with Facebook, and the arrangement will allow the creation of music features across Facebook’s properties. Continue Reading

Musical.ly starts $50 million Creator Fund as its acquisition closes

Musical.ly announced the start of a fund to support its users. The short-form music video and lip syncing app will invest up to $50 million into a Creator Fund over the next two years. The money will go toward a range of programs, from college scholarships to co-development deals to a “creator marketplace” where users can trade creative assets or instruction. Continue Reading

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YouTube and Universal Music Group reach licensing deal; Sony may be next

YouTube has signed a new licensing deal with Universal Music Group. UMG did say that the deal would lead to “growing compensation” for its artists, but neither company has disclosed details. “We’re thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Universal Music Group,” YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said. Continue Reading