WARNER MUSIC GROUP AND SPOTIFY ANNOUNCE NEW MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT TO FUEL GROWTH AND INNOVATION

Rhea-AI Summary

Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) and Spotify have announced a new multi-year agreement covering both Recorded Music and Music Publishing. The partnership aims to enhance the music ecosystem through innovative collaboration, focusing on developing new fan experiences, expanding music and video catalogs, and introducing additional paid subscription tiers and content bundles.

The deal reinforces their commitment to 'artist centric' royalty models and introduces a direct licensing model with Warner Chappell Music in several countries, including the U.S., to better support songwriters. The agreement emphasizes the companies' shared vision for increasing music value and expanding the digital music ecosystem through sustained investment and innovation.

Positive

• New multi-year agreement expands revenue opportunities through additional paid subscription tiers
• Direct licensing model implementation in new markets including the U.S.
• Enhanced monetization potential through new audio-visual streaming initiatives
• Strengthened 'artist centric' royalty model to potentially improve revenue distribution

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spotify and Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) today announced a new, multi-year agreement, which covers both Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Through the deal, the two companies strengthen their joint commitment to artists, songwriters, and fans, as well as the growth of the music ecosystem through innovative collaboration.

WMG and Spotify will work together to shape the future of audio-visual streaming and enhance the value of music. The new deal will help deliver new fan experiences, a deeper music and video catalog, further paid subscription tiers, and differentiated content bundles. The agreement also builds on the companies' existing alignment around 'artist centric' royalty models that reward and protect the power of artists to attract and engage audiences. Importantly, the new publishing agreement introduces a direct licensing model with Warner Chappell Music in several additional countries including the U.S., reinforcing songwriters' benefit in this evolving landscape.

Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG, said: "This major agreement delivers new benefits for artists, songwriters, and fans, while unlocking further collaboration that expands the music ecosystem. It's a big step forward in our vision for greater alignment between rights holders and streaming services. Together with Spotify, we look forward to increasing the value of music, as we drive growth, impact, and innovation."

Daniel Ek, Spotify's Founder and CEO, said: "For Spotify, 2025 is a year of accelerated execution, and our partners at Warner Music Group share our commitment to rapid innovation and sustained investment in our leading music offerings. Together, we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible for audiences worldwide—making paid music subscriptions more appealing while supporting artists and songwriters alike."

About Warner Music Group

Warner Music Group (WMG) brings together artists, songwriters, entrepreneurs, and technology that are moving entertainment culture across the globe. Operating in more than 70 countries through a network of affiliates and licensees, WMG's Recorded Music division includes renowned labels such as 10K Projects, 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, EastWest, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled By Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin', Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville. WMG's music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a catalog of over one million copyrights spanning every musical genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX. Follow WMG on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

About Spotify 

Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has revolutionised music listening. Our move into podcasting brought innovation and a new generation of listeners to the medium. In 2022, we took the next leap, entering the fast-growing audiobook market—continuing to shape the future of audio.

Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage and enjoy over 100 million tracks, 6.5 million podcast titles, and 350,000 audiobooks a la carte on Spotify. We are the world's most popular audio streaming subscription service with more than 640 million users, including 252 million subscribers in more than 180 markets.

Press Contacts:

For Warner Music Group: James Steven james.steven@wmg.com

For Spotify: Chris Macowski cmacowski@spotify.com  

 

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SOURCE Warner Music Group Corp.

FAQ

What are the key features of WMG's new agreement with Spotify?

The agreement includes expansion of paid subscription tiers, new fan experiences, deeper music and video catalog, content bundles, and a direct licensing model with Warner Chappell Music in several countries including the U.S.

How will the WMG-Spotify deal affect artist royalties?

The agreement builds on 'artist centric' royalty models that reward and protect artists' ability to attract and engage audiences, while introducing direct licensing in additional markets.

What new markets are included in WMG's direct licensing model with Spotify?

The agreement introduces direct licensing with Warner Chappell Music in several additional countries, including the United States.

What new content offerings will result from the WMG-Spotify partnership?

The partnership will deliver new fan experiences, expanded music and video catalogs, additional paid subscription tiers, and differentiated content bundles.