APRA AMCOS has today (August 15) announced they have finalised an agreement with Facebook that will see Australian, New Zealand and international songwriters, composers and music publishers remunerated for the use of their music on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus, and Messenger.
The deal with Facebook licenses the use of the millions of songs it represents in Australia and New Zealand including the songs of its 95,000 songwriter and publisher members.
Speaking about the deal, Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS chief executive said: “We are delighted to be working with Facebook to ensure the creative content of our members and affiliates that is used on the platform is fairly remunerated. This is a landmark deal not just for songwriters, composers and music publishers, it also provides the Australian and New Zealand public with peace of mind that music rights holders will be compensated for the use of their works on Facebook.”
He added: “Whether it’s live music or digital, the sustainability of Australian and New Zealand music relies on our industry working in partnership with platforms like Facebook to support new developments in music consumption, ensure the public has access to great music and that music creators have a sustainable industry that supports their careers.”
Facebook users in Australia and New Zealand will now be able to use music in a variety of creative and, importantly, legal ways. As part of the agreement, APRA AMCOS will be working with Facebook to help develop its rights reporting system.
Anjali Southward, head of international music publishing business development said: “We are excited to announce our partnership with APRA AMCOS. Music is an incredible source of expression and connection. We look forward to developing innovative ways to use music-related features to help people connect with each other, their communities and their favourite artists.”
In June this year, Facebook made its first music play with users in selected markets able to include music in their videos from today. The social media giant – which has spent recent months striking licensing deals with music companies such as Universal Music, Warner Music, Sony/ATV, Kobalt, ICE, Merlin and SACEM – also revealed a Musical.ly-style Lip Sync Live feature where users can sing along to songs.
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