Universal inks strategic global partnership with music licensing tech startup Songclip

Songclip, which claims to be the world’s only patented music clip company, has struck a multi-year global strategic partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG) and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Songclip offers a patented music licensing and integration tool for dating apps, gaming apps, messaging apps, social platforms, and more.

UMG’s partnership marks the startup’s latest major label deal, after signing a strategic global partnership with Warner Music Group in June 2021.

In March last year, Songclip closed an $11 million funding round led by Gregg Smith of Evolution VC Partners.

In addition to working in partnership with UMG, UMPG, WMG, and Warner Chappell, Songclip works with Kobalt, BMG, and 7,500 other rights owners.

Songclip says that its patented API integrates into apps and social platforms to supply licensing, search, catalog and compliance, royalty payments, reporting, and end-user analytics functions.

The company will now feature music from UMG and UMPG’s artist and songwriter roster as a feature  in consumer applications and across global social platforms.

Stephen Dallas, Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs & Digital Business Development, UMPG, said:  “In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, there are more platforms than ever before seeking to connect fans with the songs they love.

“UMPG continues to be on the forefront of driving value for our songwriters through our support of the development of these digital initiatives.

“We are pleased to enter into this new agreement with Songclip which acts as an on-ramp for audiovisual services to launch with licensed music in the marketplace.”

“As industry leaders in forging digital ecosystem partnerships, we are always looking for innovative ways to engage audiences, creators and services across consumer apps and social platforms.”\

Michael Nash, Universal Music Group

Michael Nash, EVP, Digital Strategy, Universal Music Group, said: “As industry leaders in forging digital ecosystem partnerships, we are always looking for innovative ways to engage audiences, creators and services across consumer apps and social platforms.

“Our ongoing, elevated relationship with Songclip allows us to extend our reach in the digital ecosystem, with proper management and monetization for the IP of our artists’ music”

“Clips are a foundational asset class that drive multiple new revenue streams for artists and their music.”

Andy Blacker, Songclip

Andy Blacker, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Songclip, added: “Clips are a foundational asset class that drive multiple new revenue streams for artists and their music.

“We built Songclip to allow for accountable partnerships between apps and the music industry, with a key mission of empowering social consumption and discovery.”

“Our platform is the bridge to integrating short-form music in a compliant, easy and efficient way.”

John van Suchtelen, Songclip

John van Suchtelen, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Songclip, said: “Songclip’s patented technology and products facilitatean exciting array of new use cases for music – from video creation to gaming to collectibles and more.

“Our platform is the bridge to integrating short-form music in a compliant, easy and efficient way.”Music Business Worldwide