Universal strikes deal with music licensing platform Songclip

14 Jun 2022 - 17:20

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Songclip has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) on a multiyear agreement, which will see music from UMG and UMPG featured in consumer applications and across global social platforms.

Songclip says it is the only patented music clip company globally.

Songclip offers various platforms – including social media, dating apps, gaming apps and messaging apps – a patented music licensing and integration tool, which provides licensing, search, catalogue and compliance, royalty payments, reporting and end-user analytics. The company says it is the only patented music clip company globally.

The partnership marks the startup’s latest agreement with a major music company. In June last year, Songclip entered into a deal with Warner Music Group and its publishing arm. Songclip also works with Kobalt, BMG and about 7 500 other rights owners.

“In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, there are more platforms than ever before seeking to connect fans with the songs they love,” UMPG senior vice-president of business & legal affairs and digital business development Stephen Dallas said. “UMPG continues to be on the forefront of driving value for our songwriters through our support of the development of these digital initiatives. We are pleased to enter into this new agreement with Songclip, which acts as an on-ramp for audiovisual services to launch with licensed music in the marketplace.”

Songclip co-CEO and co-founder Andy Blacker said: “Clips are a foundational asset class that drive multiple new revenue streams for artists and their music. We built Songclip to allow for accountable partnerships between apps and the music industry, with a key mission of empowering social consumption and discovery.”

Songclip co-CEO and co-founder John van Suchtelen added: “Songclip’s patented technology and products facilitate an exciting array of new use cases for music – from video creation to gaming to collectibles and more. Our platform is the bridge to integrating short-form music in a compliant, easy and efficient way.”

In March last year, Songclip secured $11m in a funding round led by Gregg Smith of Evolution VC Partners. At the time, Van Suchtelen said that Songclip aimed to popularise a new media format and make it accessible across a wide range of services.