Universal Music Group and NetEase Cloud Music signed a multi-year licensing agreement that gives the China-based music streaming platform access to UMG’s recording catalog.
The deal covers UMG’s full roster of international and Chinese artists across NetEase Cloud Music’s streaming platform and digital services in China.
Under the renewed partnership, NetEase Cloud Music and UMG plan joint marketing campaigns and will work on product features aimed at expanding the platform’s premium and Super VIP (SVIP) subscription tiers.
The agreement also includes artist-centric provisions and terms covering artificial intelligence, reflecting, the companies said, “a shared commitment to responsible AI practices that support and protect the music and artists that UMG represents”.
The agreement builds on an existing relationship between the two companies in China. They first entered into a licensing agreement for the country in August 2020. The Chinese company also struck licensing deals with Warner Chappell Music in May 2020, and with Sony Music Entertainment in May 2021.
NetEase Cloud Music, which became a publicly listed company in December 2021, operates one of China’s major music streaming services and rivals Tencent Music Entertainment.
The companies said they will collaborate on promoting Chinese artists alongside UMG’s international acts.
“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.”
William Ding, NetEase Cloud Music
The latest deal comes as the Chinese streaming market has drawn increasing interest from global music companies as digital music consumption continues to expand in the country.
According to IFPI data, China’s annual streaming subscription trade revenues surpassed USD $1 billion in 2024, up 18.9% YoY.
“This renewed agreement with NetEase Cloud Music represents a meaningful step in deepening UMG’s long-term commitment to China’s music market.”
Adam Granite, Universal Music Group
William Ding, CEO of NetEase Cloud Music, said: “NetEase Cloud Music is very pleased to have reached a multi-year licensing agreement with UMG. 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.”
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Universal Music Group, added: “This renewed agreement with NetEase Cloud Music represents a meaningful step in deepening UMG’s long-term commitment to China’s music market.
“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.”
“Together with NetEase Cloud Music, we look forward to collaborating to create innovative engagement opportunities and deliver outstanding music experiences for fans.”
Timothy Xu, Universal Music Greater China
Over the past year, UMG has continued to expand its presence in China, with its unit Universal Music Greater China signing deals with superstar artist Nana Ouyang, Mandopop artist David Tao and his company GREAT Entertainment, and Liu Huan, renowned domestically as the “King of Chinese Pop”. UMG has also expanded its jazz and classical labels Blue Note and Deutsche Grammophon into the region.
Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Greater China, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with NetEase Cloud Music to further introduce UMG’s unrivaled 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.”
Vivian Wei, Vice President of Copyrights at NetEase Cloud Music, said: “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.
“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.”
“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.”
Vivian Wei, NetEase Cloud Music
Jonathan Dworkin, Executive Vice President, Digital Business Development & Strategy at Universal Music Group, said: “NetEase is exceptional in its ability to engage music fans and deliver innovative experiences.
“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.”
“This new agreement deepens our strategic alignment through mutual commitment to artist-centric principles, including unwavering support for human artistry.”
Jonathan Dworkin, Universal Music Group
In addition to streaming services, NetEase Cloud Music also offers social entertainment products such as its LOOK Live Streaming service. In the first half of 2025, the company reported a 15.9% YoY increase in revenue from music services, to RMB 2.97 billion, or USD $415 million at the average exchange rate for the second quarter of 2025.
In China, Super-VIP (SVIP) tier, a “super-premium” subscription tier that costs five times as much as a premium subscription.
Music Business Worldwide
