Photo Credit: NetEase Cloud Music
NetEase Cloud Music renews its licensing deal with UMG with a multi-year agreement in China that includes “responsible AI practices.”
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the renewal of its strategic multi-year agreement with NetEase Cloud Music, a leading music streaming service provider in China. Following their prior deal in 2020, the new agreement provides distribution of UMG’s massive music catalog across NetEase Cloud Music’s streaming platform and associated digital services in China.
Under the agreement, NetEase Cloud Music will distribute UMG’s global recording catalog across its streaming services and affiliated digital products, including both local Chinese and international artists.
The deal will also see the companies collaborate on feature marketing campaigns and product innovation, designed to further enhance the fan experience while promoting and introducing domestic Chinese artists alongside UMG’s global roster.
Notably, it also includes artist-centric provisions and terms covering artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting a shared commitment to responsible AI practices that support and protect the music and artists that UMG represents. It reinforces the theme of UMG’s latest licensing deals that focus on ethical AI use.
“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.”
“This renewed agreement with NetEase Cloud Music represents a meaningful step in deepening UMG’s long-term commitment to China’s music market,” said Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Universal Music Group. “Together, we aim to strengthen an artist-first streaming environment that supports creators, engages fans, and connects China’s music market more closely with the global music industry.”
“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,” said Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Greater China. “Together with NetEase Cloud Music, we look forward to collaborating to create innovative engagement opportunities and deliver outstanding music experiences for fans.”
“We are delighted to elevate our partnership to a new level, engaging in deeper and closer collaboration across licensing, artist promotion, AI exploration, and cultural exchange,” added Vivian Wei, Vice President of Copyrights and NetEase Cloud Music. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our partnership with UMG, fostering greater connections between international artists and Chinese audiences, while further accelerating the global expansion and influence of Chinese artists.”
“NetEase is exceptional in its ability to engage music fans and deliver innovative experiences,” concluded Jonathan Dworkin, Executive Vice President, Digital Business Development & Strategy at Universal Music Group. “This new agreement deepens our strategic alignment through mutual commitment to artist-centric principles, including unwavering support for human artistry, bringing fans and artists closer together, and their ambition to further develop China’s music market.”
