Sony/ATV signs global Facebook licensing agreement

Sony/ATV have followed in the footsteps of Universal Music Group, inking a "multi-territory, multi-year" licensing deal with Facebook.

The deal makes Sony/ATV the second major label to sign this kind of deal with any major social platform, after UMG announced a similar deal late last year.

The new deal will see the label’s catalogue of more than 3 million songs become available to be used in user-uploaded content on Facebook, Instagram and Occulus.

It will also allow Sony/ATV’s songwriters to begin earning royalties from the use of their music on these platforms. 

Facebook’s 2 billion monthly active users will also be able to personalise their music experiences on Facebook with songs from the label.

“We are thrilled that in signing this agreement Facebook recognizes the value that music brings to their service and that our songwriters will now benefit from the use of their music on Facebook," said Sony/ATV chairman and CEO Martin Bandier.

"We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

“We’re excited to work with the largest music publisher in the world to bring amazing songs which deepen connections between friends and fans," added Facebook’s head of music business development and partnerships Tamara Hrivnak.

"Sony/ATV is a true leader and an absolute champion of writers in the digital space, and we’re thrilled to work with them as they grab new opportunities by the horns across all of our platforms.”

Sony/ATV’s roster includes The Chainsmokers, Drake, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, as well as the likes of The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Queen and their Jobete catalogue of Motown songs and standards.