Meta has recently renewed its licensing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), extending their collaboration to include new platforms like Threads and WhatsApp. The agreement, which was announced on Monday, is designed to allow licensed music from UMG to be used in shortform videos and other content across Meta’s social apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Meta Horizon.

Tamara Hrivnak, Meta’s VP of music and content business development, expressed excitement about the extended partnership. She highlighted that this multiyear agreement would enable Meta and UMG to explore innovative opportunities, especially on WhatsApp. Although details remain sparse, the companies emphasized that the partnership would address issues such as unauthorized AI-generated content that might impact artists and songwriters.

Meta and UMG have been collaborating since 2017, starting with a deal that allowed users to include UMG's music in their videos on platforms like Instagram and Oculus, aiming to curb copyright infringements. This latest agreement positions Meta to effectively manage content and licensing, something rival platform TikTok has struggled with in its own dealings with UMG. Earlier this year, TikTok had to remove videos containing UMG’s music, but eventually resolved the issue, allowing artists like Taylor Swift and Drake back onto the platform.

This renewed partnership between Meta and UMG reflects the evolving landscape of digital media and the importance of robust licensing agreements in supporting artists and protecting their work in an increasingly AI-driven world.