Twitch’s New Program Helps DJs Use Copyrighted Music Legally
Twitch has just rolled out an innovative program tailored for DJs, enabling them to use copyrighted music during their streams by paying a fee. This move comes after Twitch CEO Dan Clancy hinted at the development of such a system back in April.
Deals with Major Record Labels
Twitch has inked agreements with top record labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, alongside numerous independent labels. These partnerships are part of Twitch's strategy to streamline the use of copyrighted music in streams, alleviating the copyright concerns DJs face.
Revenue Sharing and Cost Coverage
To manage the cost of music rights, streamers will allocate a portion of their earnings to rights holders. The exact percentage remains undisclosed, as it varies depending on the streamer's monetization methods. Initially, Twitch will bear a significant part of these costs, splitting them 50/50 with streamers. However, for the first year, Twitch will fully subsidize the cost, gradually reducing this support monthly until DJs are paying their full share by year-end.
Financial Support for DJs
All participating DJs will receive financial assistance from Twitch during the program's first year. Those joining midway will benefit from the subsidy for the remaining months. Importantly, DJs who are not monetizing on Twitch won't be required to pay any fees, ensuring that all creators have the opportunity to engage with this new program without financial barriers.
Addressing Copyright Challenges
Twitch acknowledges the critical role pre-recorded music plays in DJs' creative expressions but also highlights the intricate copyright issues involved in streaming this content. Until now, DJs have had to navigate these issues independently, often facing DMCA takedowns. Twitch’s new program aims to mitigate these risks, providing a more sustainable solution for the DJ community.
New DJ Category Launch
In addition to the revenue-sharing program, Twitch will introduce a new DJ category for streamers this summer. This category will facilitate the identification and support of DJ content on the platform. However, it's important to note that the new licensing feature will not extend to video-on-demand content or highlights, which are subject to different rights management.
Conclusion
This initiative represents a significant step towards a more secure and supportive environment for DJs on Twitch. By sharing revenue with record labels, Twitch is helping DJs continue their creative work while navigating the complex landscape of music copyright. This program is set to launch later this summer, promising a new era for DJs on the platform.