Universal Music, ElevenLabs Partner on Licensed AI Music Platform
Generative AI has forced music companies to decide whether to litigate over unauthorized training or license catalogs on terms that preserve artist control and compensation. Universal Music Group, one of the world’s largest music companies, has increasingly pursued the latter path while still defending its rights. The ElevenLabs pact extends a strategy that included UMG’s October 2025 settlement and licensed-platform agreement with Udio, turning fan-made AI remixes and reinterpretations into a potential new revenue channel.
Universal Music Group and AI audio company ElevenLabs announced a multi-year licensing and strategic collaboration on September 10, 2026. ElevenLabs will launch a platform, separate from its existing ElevenMusic products, allowing fans to make remixes, mashups, new interpretations and personalized vocal experiences using licensed music from participating UMG artists and songwriters. Creators may choose whether to participate and are to share in the value generated. The companies did not disclose financial terms or a launch date, while saying additional products and fan experiences would follow.
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The history behind this eventSpotify Enlists Merlin for AI Covers and Remixes
Generative AI has made it easier for listeners to reshape existing recordings, while intensifying disputes over copyright, voice cloning and how artists share in the proceeds. Spotify began working with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin and Believe in October 2025 on “artist-first” AI products. The streaming service says licensed covers and remixes should be built around consent, credit and compensation, an approach aimed at turning fan-made derivatives into a controlled revenue stream rather than an unauthorized use of music.
Spotify said on Aug. 4 that Merlin, a digital licensing partner representing more than 30,000 independent labels and distributors, had joined its planned AI covers and remix product. The paid tool will let fans transform music only from participating artists, who must opt in and will receive attribution and compensation. Merlin expands the project beyond the Universal Music Group catalog covered by a May 21 licensing agreement. Spotify has not disclosed the product’s price, revenue-sharing formula or launch date.
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