Twitch has introduced a solution to address the ongoing copyright issues faced by DJs on the platform. The company announced a new program that allows DJs to stream millions of tracks in a dedicated DJ Category, providing more clarity on which songs are safe to use. However, DJs will need to share a portion of their earnings.
Addressing DMCA Takedown Notices
This initiative aims to avoid DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices, which have been a persistent problem for DJ streamers using prerecorded music in their mixes. Twitch reports that the number of DJs on the platform has more than quadrupled, with 15,000 monetizing their streams. In May 2020, creators began receiving thousands of weekly music-related DMCA notifications from record labels.
Revenue Sharing with Music Labels
DJs participating in the program must contribute a percentage of their earnings to cover music rights costs. Twitch has partnered with major labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and several independent labels through music licensing partner Merlin.
While Twitch did not disclose the exact fee DJs need to pay, CEO Dan Clancy explained in an official blog post that the cost depends on how a channel monetizes. DJs who do not monetize their streams will not have to pay. Twitch also announced it will help cover 50% of the royalties for most DJs and offer a one-year subsidy to existing Twitch DJs, providing financial support and a transition period to adapt to the new program.
Launch and Support
Twitch will soon require DJs to share part of their revenue with the music industry.
“We’re going to have a structure, where we are going to have to share money with the labels, it doesn’t come for free… we’re going to split whatever the cost is.”#TwitchNews #TOSg pic.twitter.com/YndPV8JIcH
Advertisement— Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) April 10, 2024
The program will launch later this summer. Clancy had previously shared details about the initiative in an interview with TweakMusicTips two months ago. He emphasized the need to share revenue with labels to sustain the DJ community on Twitch.
“We’re proud to be the first major service to provide a safe, permanent home for DJs to livestream, and we’re excited to now be able to promote and support these creators as they build communities on our service and beyond,” Clancy said.
In his blog post, Clancy also highlighted that the current status quo on Twitch was unsustainable, and a viable future for the DJ community required finding a solution.
