Warner Music Group, Suno announce partnership and resolve litigation

According to the companies, the partnership aims to “open new frontiers in music creation, interaction, and discovery, while both compensating and protecting artists, songwriters, and the wider creative community”. They state that artists and songwriters “will have full control over whether and how their names, images, likenesses, voices, and compositions are used in new AI-generated music”.

Under the deal, Suno plans to introduce several platform changes in 2026. These include the launch of new licensed models, after which “the current models will be deprecated”. The companies say that downloading audio will require a paid account once the new system is in place. Suno also notes future restrictions on downloads for free-tier users, who will be able to play and share songs but not download them. Paid-tier users will receive monthly download limits, with the option to purchase additional downloads.

In a related development, Suno has acquired Songkick, the concert-discovery platform previously owned by WMG, and will continue operating it as “a successful fan destination”. The companies claim that combining Suno and Songkick will “create new potential to deepen the artist-fan connection”.

Both organisations say they remain “committed to forging a blueprint for a next-generation licensed AI music platform”.

WMG CEO Robert Kyncl described the partnership as “a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone”, adding: “With Suno rapidly scaling, both in users and monetisation, we’ve seized this opportunity to shape models that expand revenue and deliver new fan experiences.” He said AI becomes “pro-artist” when it follows principles such as licensed models and opt-in controls for artists and songwriters regarding the use of their identity or work.

Suno CEO Mikey Shulman said the partnership “unlocks a bigger, richer Suno experience for music lovers”, adding: “Together, we can enhance how music is made, consumed, experienced and shared.” He said the company will roll out “new, more robust features for creation” and more opportunities for collaboration with established musicians.

The announcement follows Suno’s recent $250 million Series C funding round, valuing the company at $2.45 billion. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture capital arm), Hallwood Media, Lightspeed and Matrix.

The news comes amid a series of industry settlements and licensing agreements related to AI music platforms. WMG settled its lawsuit with Udio last week and announced a licensing deal for a new AI platform expected in 2026. This followed the company’s partnership with Stability AI, announced on 19 November, aimed at promoting “responsible AI in music creation”.

These developments arrive just over a year after the RIAA, representing the three major record companies, filed lawsuits against Suno and Udio for what it described as “mass infringement” of copyright. Universal Music Group has also reached a settlement with Udio and signed its own agreement for a licensed AI platform launching in 2026. Meanwhile, copyright claims against Suno continue from organisations including Denmark’s Koda and Germany’s GEMA.