The biggest music industry news | January 2025
New industry reports, major streaming updates, and fresh social media features. Plus, ticketing reforms, funding milestones, and the latest on TikTok’s legal battles.
American’s ride rollercoaster, courtesy of TikTok and the Supreme Court
TikTok’s start to 2025 has been hectic to say the least. ByteDance had its opportunity to argue its case one last time in court and try to halt the impending US ban. After failing, the ban took effect and TikTok went dark in America, only to become available again hours later. Newly inaugurated Donald Trump ordered a 75-day extension to help find a buyer for TikTok, lest it be banned in the US for good.
UK Government takes steps to make UK live music sector fairer
The UK Government is consulting on ticket resale reforms, proposing price caps, listing limits, and stricter platform regulations. It also seeks input on dynamic pricing, which has faced criticism for inflating costs – remember the Oasis reunion mayhem last year? Fans and industry leaders are encouraged to share their views to help shape fairer ticketing policies.
Drake withdraws legal petition over unfair streaming practices
After filing a lawsuit in November against his own label, Universal Music Group, Drake has done a U-turn. The rapper accused UMG of inflating streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us” (which is aimed at Drake), by using illegal and unfair practices. The reasons behind this change of heart have not been disclosed, though many speculate negotiations behind closed doors.
Luminate unveils 2024 music industry report
Luminate released its 2024 industry report, which reveals a notable increase in streaming numbers, with Gen Z leading the charge. The report emphasises the importance of catering to superfan communities and the growing influence of younger demographics in music consumption. Artists and labels are encouraged to adapt strategies to engage this vibrant audience.
Deezer and SACEM partner for artist-centric royalty model
Deezer has partnered with SACEM to develop an artist-centric royalties model focusing on publishing rights. This initiative aims to ensure fair compensation for creators by accounting for individual artist contributions and streamlining royalty distributions. The collaboration marks a significant step toward more equitable practices in the streaming industry.
PRS announces monthly streaming royalty payments
PRS for Music has unveiled plans to transition to monthly royalty payments for streaming services, starting with a pilot in March 2025. This move is set to provide songwriters and composers with more timely income, enhancing financial stability for creators relying on streaming revenues. The full rollout is expected by August 2025.
Instagram rolls out a host of well-timed updates
Instagram has rolled out multiple updates, including a new rectangular profile grid and an increased Reels limit from 90 seconds to 3 minutes. These changes align with evolving content trends and are likely a response to TikTok’s ongoing legal troubles. As competition among platforms intensifies, Instagram continues to refine its features to attract and retain creators.
Experimental and exciting features added to YouTube Premium
YouTube has introduced new features for Premium subscribers, including enhanced audio quality, picture-in-picture for Shorts on iOS, and smart downloads. Some of these features are experimental, allowing users to test them before a wider rollout. As YouTube continues to refine its Premium offering, these updates aim to improve user experience and engagement.
Spotify and UMG forge forward-thinking new deal
There’s been a lot going on for UMG this last month. Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a new deal focusing on the future of streaming. The partnership addresses royalty bundling and emphasizes artist-centric principles, aiming to create a more sustainable and fair ecosystem for artists and songwriters. This collaboration is poised to influence the next phase of the music streaming landscape.