Facebook and Universal Music Group announce global music licensing deal

Facebook has penned an ’unprecedented global, multi-year agreement’ with Universal Music Group, which is set to license its recorded music and publishing catalogues across Facebook, Instagram and Oculus.

The deal makes Universal the first major music company to sign a deal of this nature with the social media platform.

According to a join press release from the companies, "The partnership will facilitate deeper engagement between artists and fans, empowering users to express themselves through music, share the songs they love and build communities around music-fueled culture."

“There is a magnetic relationship between music and community building," said Facebook head of music business development and partnerships Tamara Hrivnak.

"We are excited to bring that to life on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus and Messenger in partnership with UMG. Music lovers, artists and writers will all be right at home as we open up creativity, connection and innovation through music and video.”