A New Chapter in Music Licensing
Spotify and BMG have entered into a direct, multi-year U.S. publishing licensing agreement designed to deliver greater value and transparency for songwriters and their teams.
According to the joint announcement, the partnership establishes a closer working relationship between the two companies, ensuring BMG songwriters share more equitably in the value generated through streaming. The deal also represents a step toward a more flexible and modern licensing model—one that benefits both publishers and artists.
Building a Stronger Music Ecosystem
The agreement follows a series of expanded U.S. publishing deals Spotify has made with major music companies as part of its effort to evolve its licensing framework.
“At Spotify, we believe the future of music depends on stronger collaboration across the industry,” said Alex Norström, Co-President and Chief Business Officer at Spotify. “Our partnership with BMG advances that vision with renewed support for songwriters through a licensing model that will enhance how music is enjoyed on our platform.”
BMG’s Direct Digital Strategy
This new partnership comes after BMG’s 2023 decision to take direct control of its digital business operations. By managing its own relationships with streaming platforms, BMG can leverage data more effectively, improve artist services, and streamline operations across its catalog.
“Working directly with Spotify helps us reinforce our mission to ensure songwriters are fairly represented and rewarded for their work,” said Thomas Coesfeld, CEO of BMG. “We’re pleased to agree on a progressive licensing model that reflects how music is consumed today, and we’re excited to take our partnership to the next level as we continue redefining what a modern music company can be.”
Aligning on AI and Artist Protections
Coesfeld also applauded Spotify’s momentum in developing new AI policies to safeguard creative rights. “While we support the use of AI to enhance human creativity, these protections align with BMG’s philosophy,” he said. “Fair remuneration and the protection of artists’ works must remain non-negotiable.”
Together, Spotify and BMG are reshaping the future of music licensing—putting songwriters, fairness, and innovation at the heart of streaming’s next chapter.
Photo Credit to Spotify and BMG
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