The biggest music industry news | October 2025
Spotify and BMG’s US deal, TikTok creator revenue boost, and Deezer cross-platform playlists. Plus, Instagram Reels experiments and Spotify Wrapped 2025 preparations.
Spotify and Merlin extend global licensing partnership
Spotify and Merlin have renewed their global licensing partnership, strengthening support for independent labels and artists worldwide. The extended deal continues to prioritise equitable access and innovative tools for indies on Spotify. This renewal reinforces the impact and cruciality of firm deals that champion sustainable independent music projects.
Instagram experiments with a Reels-focused home screen
Instagram has begun testing a new Reels-only home screen layout, replacing the traditional feed for some users. The experiment highlights Meta’s increasing investment in short-form video and its ongoing rivalry with TikTok. If successful, it could reshape both how users discover music and creators on the platform, and how creators approach content creation and promotion.
TikTok launches Superfan revenue share for creators
TikTok has rolled out its new superfan revenue share programme, allowing creators to earn up to 90% subscription revenue from their most dedicated followers. The feature marks a major step in TikTok’s push to improve creator monetisation and community engagement. It also positions TikTok closer to platforms like Twitch and Patreon, where superfans play a central role in creator income.
Deezer enables playlist sharing across streaming services
Deezer now lets users share playlists seamlessly with friends who use other streaming platforms. The feature aims to make music sharing more inclusive and social, helping fans connect regardless of where they listen. By breaking down platform barriers, Deezer is encouraging greater music discovery and community between listeners.
Spotify Wrapped 2025 preparations begin
Spotify has begun hyping Wrapped 2025, launching a new artist guide with prompts and suggestions ahead of the year’s biggest streaming event. Artists and listeners are encouraged to engage early to ensure their stats and streams are included. As always, Wrapped is expected to dominate social media and highlight global listening trends.
SoundCloud introduces new social discovery tools
SoundCloud has launched new social discovery features that make finding and sharing music more interactive. The update includes features like playlists based on what friends and artists like, as well as a visual, feed-like tracklist showcasing what’s currently rising on SoundCloud. All this and more is part of SoundCloud’s strategy to blend social engagement with its community-driven streaming model.
Spotify and BMG strike direct US publishing deal
Spotify and BMG have announced a new multiyear, direct US publishing licensing deal aimed at giving songwriters greater value for their work. The agreement reflects both companies’ commitment to fairer royalties and stronger protections, including measures against AI misuse. It follows Spotify’s series of direct deals with other major publishers, marking a step toward a more transparent and modern licensing model.
Spotify testing SongDNA for deeper track insights
Spotify is reportedly testing a new feature that could shine a light on all parties involved in the making of a song. SongDNA appears to offer an interactive breakdown of the people involved in a track, such as songwriters, vocalists, producers, engineers, and more. A feature like this improves discovery for users, while also strengthening relationships with songwriters and music creators, just as the company strikes deals with numerous music publishers.
YouTube pays $8 billion to musicians and labels in 2025
YouTube has announced a record-breaking $8 billion payout to musicians and record labels this year. The milestone cements YouTube’s role as one of the music industry’s largest revenue sources, particularly through ad-supported content. The figure also reflects the platform’s steady growth as a hybrid space for streaming, promotion, and monetisation.
US TikTok deal could finally be signed
Reports indicate the long-delayed US TikTok deal could finally be approved in the final week of October, potentially ending years of political and business uncertainty. The agreement is expected to define TikTok’s future operations and data governance in the US. A resolution could bring stability to its massive creator and advertiser community.