Twitch announce program for DJs to use copyrighted music on streams

The initiative was created in response to an increasing number of copyright issues and takedowns on the platform.

In a recent announcement, Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, presented a program, in the DJ category, for users can utilize copyrighted music in their streaming sessions.

This initiative will be possible through a partnership with numerous companies, including major labels such as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and a wide array of independent labels and rights holders represented by Merlin.

“We’re proud to be the first major service to provide a safe, long-term home for DJs to livestream, and we are excited to now be able to promote and support these creators as they build communities on our service and beyond,” he commented.

Based on the report the number of DJs streaming on Twitch has more than quadrupled, allowing tens of thousands to grow and monetize communities of music fans.  The program will help DJs continue to grow while ensuring proper compensation for musicians.

Twitch has announced that it will divide the expense of compensating labels equally, with each party bearing 50% of the cost. However, the platform will initially assume “a slightly higher percentage” than this. These changes will only impact monetizing streamers, with the covering “covering the expenses for DJs who aren’t yet monetizing”.

The program and more details will be available later this summer.

Read the full announcement here.