Twitch, the popular streaming platform, has announced an innovative program allowing DJs to use copyrighted music in their broadcasts. According to the company, this new system has been made possible thanks to agreements reached with major record labels such as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, as well as numerous independent record labels.
Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, already hinted in April at creating an official system aimed at DJs. The company confirmed that streamers will have to pay a percentage of their earnings to rights holders. However, it did not reveal the exact percentage, which will vary depending on the monetization methods used. The cost-sharing with Twitch will be 50/50, although the platform says it will “cover more than the cost” at the beginning.
In addition, some DJs will be eligible to receive a one-year grant, funded by the platform, to cover the difference between their earnings and the money paid to record labels and artists. DJs who are not monetizing on Twitch will be exempt from paying fees.
“DJs often use and take advantage of pre-recorded music from other artists as a fundamental part of their creative expression,” Twitch explained in a blog post. “However, when pre-recorded music is streamed over the Internet, there are a variety of copyright issues that must be taken into account and that vary depending on the regions.”
Until now, Twitch DJs have had to deal with copyright-related issues on their own. Some Twitch DJs have reported in recent years that they have received a real avalanche of DMCA reports. Twitch claims to have been working on negotiations with record labels to “mitigate” the risks associated with the removal of videos related to copyright.
The company has also wanted to underline the need for this change: “It is crucial that DJs understand that the status quo on Twitch was not sustainable, and any viable future for the community requires us to find a solution.” The program will be launched later this summer, accompanied by a new “DJ” category for streamers. However, the new licensing feature will not apply to other types of content, such as video on demand (VOD) and highlights.
