Spotify’s latest agreement with the National Music Publishers’ Association opens new video opportunities for indie publishers and songwriters.

A new deal for video on Spotify

Spotify has just signed a fresh deal with the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) that could mark a big step forward in how music and visuals come together on the platform. The agreement introduces an Opt-In Portal allowing NMPA members, particularly independent publishers, to enter into direct licensing deals for audiovisual rights in the US.

In simple terms, this means indie publishers and songwriters can now opt in to earn higher royalties from the direct deal. In return, Spotify gains the rights it needs to expand its video features, helping artists and fans connect in new, visual ways.

What the deal involves

The deal comes after tension between Spotify and the NMPA over the streaming service’s alleged bundling loophole that meant it was paying songwriters and publishers less. As Music Ally notes, the NMPA later added to its dispute that Spotify was reproducing and distributing the lyrics, music videos and podcasts from its members without the licensing deals. This new agreement seems to mark a way forward regarding the video element.

The new Opt-In Portal is available now (from November 11) to December 19, and lets publishers directly license their audiovisual rights in the US to Spotify. 

“This new partnership with the NMPA will increase revenue for songwriters and independent publishers who are at the heart of the industry… We look forward to continuing to work with the NMPA to create new value and opportunities for their members.”

Alex Norström, Spotify’s Co-President and Chief Business Officer

The bigger picture

The deal ties into Spotify’s growing focus on video. Over the past year, the company has doubled down on video podcasts and recently announced a Netflix partnership that will bring select Spotify Studios and Ringer video podcasts to Netflix in early 2026. Spotify also revealed that it now hosts over half a million video podcasts, a figure that continues to climb as creators experiment with audio and visual storytelling. 

It also follows a string of direct licensing deals with major publishers, including BMG, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Kobalt, Sony Music Group, and Merlin. All of which show that Spotify is serious about ensuring songwriters and publishers are properly compensated for their work. 

“This deal offers indie publishers the chance to enter into direct deals with Spotify in regard to audiovisual streaming functionality on the platform alongside the recently announced larger publishing companies… This new income stream reflects the growing value of songs as digital platforms offer new capabilities to consumers.”

David Israelite, NMPA’s President and CEO
New Spotify partnership brings video podcasts to Netflix

Final thoughts

This latest deal with the NMPA is different to those direct licensing agreements that Spotify has already agreed this year. It focuses on the audiovisual future of Spotify, and could help independent publishers earn more in new ways.

For the wider music industry, it’s clear that Spotify isn’t just a music streaming platform anymore. It’s focusing on becoming a multimedia hub, where songs, videos and podcasts can flourish. This latest deal might just be the key to unlocking that next chapter. 

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