Welcome to our Weekly Headline Roundup!
This week we’re looking at a new report on paid streaming platforms, an update on the Universal and Udio lawsuit, and more.
Report Finds Majority of Time with Streaming Music Is Now Spent with Paid Platforms
Audio habits and preferences have obviously changed in the last decade, and new data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study reveals just how much. There’s been a significant shift away from free streaming audio services—with paid plans now dominating the landscape.
– Ashley King, Digital Music News
As of 2025, the trend is more prevalent than ever, as Americans 13+ spend 66% of their daily streaming music listening with paid platforms and 34% of time with free services.
ASCAP, BMI & SOCAN to Accept Registrations of Partially AI-Generated Music
ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN have all adopted policies to accept registrations of musical compositions partially generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the PROs jointly announced Tuesday (Oct. 28), while noting that they will continue to reject registrations of fully AI-generated works.
– Chris Eggertsen, Billboard
According to a press release, all three PROs define a partially AI-generated musical work as one fusing elements of AI-generated musical content with elements of human authorship. All of these works will be included in the repertoires licensed by each of the societies.
Universal has settled its lawsuit with Udio, and signed AI deals with Udio and Stability
Universal Music has ended its legal battle with AI company Udio and announced a licensing deal that will enable an “AI-powered music creation platform” which, both companies say, will “provide further revenue opportunities for UMG artists and songwriters”.
– Chris Cooke, CMU
As a result of the deal, Udio is evolving its business model, while putting some restrictions on its existing service in the short term. The plan is to then launch something brand new next year which will allow users to “customise, stream and share music” in a “licensed and protected environment”. Should anyone want to do that, of course.
The music industry remains divided on generative AI. Where will that leave us?
The past year has seen music industry discourse around generative AI shift from disruption to strategy. Yet the strategies being employed vary widely, and there is no one “industry perspective” on how to approach it. While some larger companies are simultaneously embracing Gen AI and calling for established guardrails, smaller labels and independent artists are fighting Gen AI companies’ entry into the music industry. Gen AI seems to be establishing a foothold, but a lack of music industry consensus on how the technology should be used and regulated is highlighting longstanding cracks in the music industry’s foundation – and time is running out to mend them.
– Olivia Jones, MIDIA
YouTube Music Continues to Struggle Against Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music — With Spotify Attracting Five Times as Many Paying Subscribers In the US
YouTube was one of the first major players in music streaming, thanks to a video platform that quickly absorbed millions of music videos, live tracks, lyric videos, and sing-along covers. But given its immense first-mover advantage, why is YouTube Music struggling so badly behind Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music when it comes to paying subscribers?
– Paul Resnikoff, Digital Music News