After a landmark deal in December 2017 with Universal Music Group, Facebook has just closed another deal with a second major label – Sony/ATV.
The deal last year allowed Facebook and its users to use music owned by UMG in videos and content posted to the site, and also kept artists and creators happy with royalties. This new deal with Sony/ATV is an extension of the first with UMG, allowing users to utilize Sony/ATV’s catalog of over 3 million songs.
Sony/ATV’s contemporary roster includes The Chainsmokers, Drake, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, while it also represents the songs of legends such as The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Carole King and Queen.
Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier said: “We are thrilled that in signing this agreement Facebook recognizes the value that music brings to their service and that our songwriters will now benefit from the use of their music on Facebook. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
Tamara Hrivnak, Head of Music Business Development and Partnerships, Facebook said: “We’re excited to work with the largest music publisher in the world to bring amazing songs which deepen connections between friends and fans. Sony/ATV is a true leader and an absolute champion of writers in the digital space, and we’re thrilled to work with them as they grab new opportunities by the horns across all of our platforms.”
Facebook is still in talks with Warner Music Group, the final major label out of the three.