Big news for DJs and their fans: Twitch has announced a groundbreaking deal with major record labels, including Sony, Warner, and Universal, allowing DJs to livestream their sets without fear of copyright takedowns. This agreement marks a significant shift for the platform, which saw an influx of musicians during the early lockdown days four years ago. Musicians quickly became a main category of streamers, but they faced constant threats of DMCA strikes, causing widespread frustration.
Under the new deal, DJs who monetize their streams will share a portion of their income with Twitch, which will then compensate the music labels. Non-monetized streams will remain free of charge. This agreement currently covers live streams only, with pre-recorded content, clips, and highlights still subject to copyright claims.
The revenue split between DJs and Twitch remains undisclosed, but Twitch has committed to covering more than its share of fees initially and providing a 12-month grace period for popular DJs. The program is voluntary, allowing users to opt-in for protection or opt-out at any time.
Overall, this move is a huge win for the DJ community, enabling them to share their music freely and fostering a more vibrant and creative livestreaming environment.