WMG and Udio Partner on New Licensed AI Music Creation Service

Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a collaboration with AI music creation platform Udio, ending the companies’ copyright infringement litigation. The partnership comes weeks after Universal Music Group (UMG) announced a deal with Udio.

Why it matters:

• In a statement, WMG says the collaboration “establishes a clear framework for the development of Udio’s licensed AI music creation service, set to launch in 2026.”

• Udio will develop a next-generation music creation, listening and discovery platform powered by generative AI models trained on licensed and authorized music.

• The agreement spans WMG’s recorded music and music publishing businesses.

• WMG says it not only creates new revenue streams for artists and songwriters, but ensures their work remains protected.

How it works:

• Udio’s “reimagined subscription service” will enable users to make remixes, covers, and new songs using the voices of artists and compositions of songwriters who choose to participate.

• It will ensure artists and songwriters are credited and paid.

• Udio says it will also be rolling out expanded protections designed to safeguard the rights of artists and songwriters, but doesn’t specify what they will be.

• Udio will continue providing access to its current, closed-system as it transitions into serving fully-licensed applications in 2026.

What they said:

• Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG: “We’re unwaveringly committed to the protection of the rights of our artists and songwriters, and Udio has taken meaningful steps to ensure that the music on its service will be authorized and licensed. This collaboration aligns with our broader efforts to responsibly unlock AI’s potential – fueling new creative and commercial possibilities while continuing to deliver innovative experiences for fans.”