NetEase Cloud Music Secures Major Licensing Deal with Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) and China’s NetEase Cloud Music have announced a strategic multi-year license agreement covering the distribution of UMG’s global music catalog across NetEase Cloud Music’s streaming platform and affiliated digital services in China. Under the agreement, NetEase Cloud Music will distribute UMG’s catalog of recordings, which includes Chinese and international artists across all genres and eras, released through UMG’s historic labels. The deal will also involve collaboration on marketing campaigns and product development aimed at enhancing the fan experience and promoting Chinese artists alongside UMG’s global roster. The companies also agreed to provisions covering artificial intelligence. These artist-centric terms reflect what the announcement called a “shared commitment to responsible AI practices that support and protect the music and artists that UMG represents.” “NetEase Cloud Music is very pleased to have reached a multi-year licensing agreement with UMG,” said William Ding, CEO of NetEase Cloud Music. “With the largest user base globally, China stands as the world’s biggest music streaming market. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with UMG to deliver premium music experiences to our users in China. At the same time, we look forward to exploring even more diverse and multifaceted avenues of collaboration with UMG.” Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Greater China, added, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with NetEase Cloud Music to further introduce UMG¡¦s unrivalled artist roster and music catalog available to Chinese music fans. “Together with NetEase Cloud Music, we look forward to collaborating to create innovative engagement opportunities and deliver outstanding music experiences for fans.¡¨