Twitch launches new DJ program with major music labels to stream popular music legally

Twitch has launched a new program specifically for DJs, allowing them to stream a wide range of popular music under a dedicated DJ category. This initiative is backed by partnerships with major music labels such as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and various independent labels through Merlin. The program is designed to provide DJs with a secure and long-term platform for livestreaming, while respecting copyrights (and avoiding DMCA notices).

Since early 2020, the number of DJs streaming on Twitch has more than quadrupled, enabling tens of thousands to build and monetize communities of music fans. However, the primary challenge has been securing the necessary rights to stream pre-recorded music. The new DJ program aims to simplify this process by ensuring that a portion of the earnings from DJ channels is allocated to pay musicians through the respective music companies. Twitch will initially cover more of the costs, and will then split the expenses 50/50 with streamers. DJs who are not yet monetizing are not financially impacted by this change.

To assist current Twitch DJs in adapting to this new program, Twitch will provide a one-year subsidy to cover the revenue difference paid out to music companies, with the subsidy gradually decreasing as the service expands. This program is exclusively for DJs and does not extend to other uses of music on the platform.