Music distribution has become easier, but licensing a track for a game, film or brand can still require weeks of correspondence and approvals. Music catalog APIs could help make usage permissions available to the software handling those requests.
More than 100,000 songs are uploaded to digital service providers (DSPs) each day. An application programming interface (API) lets software systems exchange information, potentially allowing a catalog to show which uses of a track are permitted.
New uses require clear permissions
Global recorded music revenue reached $31.7 billion in 2025, its 11th consecutive year of growth, and paid music subscriptions exceeded 837 million users worldwide. Meanwhile, Spotify has announced a paid add-on for licensed covers and remixes of participating Universal Music Group (UMG) catalog, with artists and songwriters compensated. Merlin and Kobalt are also involved in the model.
UMG and ElevenLabs have announced a multiyear agreement for licensed artificial intelligence (AI) uses, including fan-made remixes, mashups and interpretations of participating tracks. Permissions for such uses can vary by ownership, territory, price and the type of content created.
Licensing data remains a challenge
As of February 2026, The MLC reported approximately $614.9 million in blanket royalties pending distribution. That included $328.2 million unmatched and $260.5 million associated with unclaimed shares.
Some catalogs already publish usage rules. NCS sets out terms for creators using its music on YouTube and Twitch, while Monstercat and Chillhop offer creator licensing programs. Epidemic Sound makes its catalog available through an API.
For sync licensing, FSTRX combines search, music-to-picture review, notes, approvals and licensing in one workspace. Its system also lets API-enabled catalogs connect without moving their music.
