Spotify and independent licensing agency Merlin have announced a new agreement that will allow Spotify’s forthcoming tool for fan-made covers and remixes to include music from Merlin’s member labels and artists.
Spotify and independent licensing agency Merlin have announced a new agreement that will allow Spotify’s forthcoming tool for fan-made covers and remixes to include music from Merlin’s member labels and artists.
The feature, which Spotify has said will launch as a paid add-on, is designed to let listeners create and share their own versions of songs. Under the deal, participating artists will receive compensation, and the tool will generate an additional revenue stream.
Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Music, said: “This agreement with Merlin ensures that participating artists are credited and compensated, and that every creation drives listeners back to the original work. We’re proud to extend this model to the independent community, and we look forward to welcoming more partners as we continue to build.”
Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, commented: “Giving our members’ artists the choice to make their music available as part of this exciting technology, while ensuring the opportunity to participate in an additional revenue stream, is exactly what Merlin is here to do. Spotify’s respect for our members’ and their artists’ rights is exemplary, making our decision to work on this project an easy one.”
Spotify’s platform scale
Spotify reports hosting more than 100 million tracks, 7 million podcast titles, and 700,000 audiobooks. The service has 777 million monthly active users, including 300 million paying subscribers, across 184 markets.
Merlin’s independent network
Merlin acts as a digital licensing partner for independent labels and distributors, representing roughly 15% of the global recorded music market. Its membership includes labels such as Armada Music, Domino, Epitaph, Nettwerk, Ninja Tune, Sub Pop, and Warp Records, among hundreds of others. The agency has licensing agreements with platforms including Apple, Meta, and YouTube.
