Snapchat Users Gain Access to Universal Music Group's Library of Music

By Kimberly Chin

Snapchat users globally will get access to Universal Music Group's library of recorded music and content for their own content-making on the social media platform, the companies said Thursday.

Snapchat parent Snap Inc. struck a deal with Vivendi SE's music-focused entertainment company that will bring UMG's entire music catalog to Snapchat's sound tool. Snapchat users will be able to find the music when creating a post and also use it in curated playlists.

UMG plans to develop its music content through augmented reality using Snapchat's Lens, which will feature music artists' content in the Lens Carousel and Lens Studio. Olivia Rodrigo was the first music recording artist to create lenses with Snapchat's new Augmented Reality VFX technology in the Lens Studio, the companies said. Through Ms. Rodrigo's Lens feature, users are covered in graphics from her new album, "Sour."

There will be opportunities to promote merchandise launches and develop e-commerce as well, the companies said.

"When entertainment and social media companies work together, fans are able to creatively build close-knit communities around the artists and the music they love, all while ensuring that artists are fairly compensated for the use of their music," Michael Nash, UMG's executive vice president of digital strategy, said in prepared remarks.

Write to Kimberly Chin at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 24, 2021 14:18 ET (18:18 GMT)

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