U.S.-based Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Chinese music streaming service NetEase Cloud Music, the companies announced Monday. The deal allows UMG-signed artists, including global stars like Taylor Swift, to stream their music on NetEase’s popular platform.
The agreement renews and expands a partnership that began in 2020, although the specific terms of the new deal were not disclosed. In a joint statement, both companies emphasized that the contract includes provisions addressing artificial intelligence, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible AI practices that protect the rights and works of UMG artists.
“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,” said Timothy Xu, CEO of Universal Music Greater China.
The deal marks a significant step for UMG in strengthening its presence in China’s rapidly growing digital music market. NetEase Cloud Music, one of China’s leading streaming services, provides UMG artists with access to a massive audience and underscores the increasing importance of China in global music distribution.
While the terms remain private, the inclusion of AI-related protections signals the music industry’s ongoing efforts to address the evolving challenges posed by AI-generated content and music replication. As AI tools become more capable of creating and mimicking music, rights holders like UMG are increasingly seeking clear guidelines to ensure artists’ work is safeguarded in digital environments.
The new agreement is expected to further boost the availability and reach of UMG’s extensive catalog across China, giving fans greater access to international music while strengthening ties between Western music labels and Chinese digital platforms.
