Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have partnered to launch an AI-powered music creation platform, marking ElevenLabs' first major-label deal. The platform will allow fans to create remixes, mashups, and personalized vocal experiences using licensed music from artists who choose to opt in. This collaboration highlights a broader industry shift toward licensing and structured compensation, even as legal battles over copyright infringement continue with other AI developers.
UMG-ElevenLabs licensing agreement
- ▪The partnership between Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs includes the development of additional products and fan experiences in the future.
- ▪Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs announced a multi-year licensing agreement and strategic collaboration on September 10, 2026.
- ▪The upcoming AI music platform developed by Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs will remain separate from ElevenLabs' existing Music API and ElevenMusic generator.
- ▪The September 10, 2026 agreement marks ElevenLabs' first deal with a major record label.
AI music platform features
- ▪The upcoming AI music platform developed by Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs will allow users to create song remixes, mashups, and new takes on tracks.
- ▪The AI music creation software being developed by Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs has no official release date or name as of September 10, 2026.
- ▪The upcoming Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs platform will enable the creation of new track interpretations and personalized vocal experiences.
Artist opt-in compensation model
- ▪The September 10, 2026 announcement of the Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs partnership did not name participating artists or disclose financial terms.
- ▪Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs stated that participating artists and songwriters will be fairly compensated for their music.
- ▪Artists and songwriters signed to Universal Music Group can choose whether to participate in the upcoming ElevenLabs platform.
Music industry AI licensing strategy
- ▪Major record labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, have taken equity positions in AI companies, including Stability AI.
- ▪Universal Music Group has previously established AI licensing deals with Spotify, Nvidia, and Klay, and is developing a platform with Udio.
- ▪Sony Music is suing AI music generator Udio over the alleged infringement of 30,000 songs, while a German court found that Suno infringed copyright.
- ▪Suno released its first AI music model trained on licensed songs from Warner Music Group and BMG in September 2026.
Synthetic vocal technology licensing
- ▪ElevenLabs' voice likeness technology has been used to revive actor Stan Lee for digital cameos.
- ▪Universal Music Group previously sought the removal of unauthorized AI-generated fake tracks of its artists from streaming services in 2023.
- ▪ElevenLabs operates under the European Union AI Act, which imposes transparency obligations on consumer products generating synthetic voices of identifiable people.
ElevenLabs European AI leadership
- ▪ElevenLabs was founded by two Polish founders, and the Polish state took an $11 million stake in the company in 2026.
- ▪ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski has publicly stated that the company has reached $600 million in revenue.
Debatable claims
- ▪Fan-made AI remixes undermine the creative control of musicians
- ▪Universal Music Group should license its artists' voices for AI music
Story comments
Loading comments…