Twitch has announced a new program for Twitch DJs. This new program will allow them to use copyrighted music in their streams by paying a fee to avoid copyright issues while streaming.
Working with major labels
Major record labels like as Warner Music Group, Sony Music and Universal Music Group have struck deals with Twitch. In addition to the hundreds of independent labels, the deal aims to provide DJs the freedom to stream music without worrying about copyright issues.
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy had hinted at this new program in April.
“It’s crucial that DJs understand the status quo on Twitch was not sustainable,” Twitch said in a blog post.
How the program works
To pay for those rights, streamers will split a portion of their revenue with the owners of the music rights. Although the precise percentage of the earnings has not been made public, it will vary depending on how the streamer monetizes their content. The cost will be split 50/50 between Twitch and the streamers, with Twitch paying a larger portion of the fees first to assist DJs in adjusting to the service.
Twitch will provide financial assistance to DJs who sign up for the program within the first year. Spokesman Ashton Williams claims that Twitch would pay for all rights expenses in the first year before progressively cutting the payout until DJs have paid their fair share by the end of the year. Midway through the year, DJs who enroll in the program will still be eligible for assistance for the remaining months.
Looking ahead
Twitch places a strong emphasis on helping DJs and making sure that the musicians whose music they play are compensated.
“Without the new scheme, DJs using the platform to play third-party music would risk receiving takedown notices and copyright penalties,” Twitch said.
Twitch hopes to establish a more secure and long-lasting platform for DJs to spread their music and strengthen their communities with this new initiative.