Twitch has devised a solution to the ongoing copyright issues DJs face on the platform. The company on Thursday announced a new program that will allow DJs to stream millions of songs in a new DJ category, giving them more clarity on which songs are safe for streaming.
The only problem is that DJs have to cough up some of their income.
The move is part of a larger effort to avoid DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices. These notifications have been a consistent issue for many DJ streamers on Twitch who incorporate pre-recorded music from artists into their mixes. The company says the number of DJs streaming on the platform has more than quadrupled, with 15,000 of them making money off-stream. In May 2020, creators began receiving thousands of music-related DMCA notices from record labels every week.
DJs participating in the program are required to donate a portion of their earnings from streaming to cover some of the music copyright costs. Twitch works with all major labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, as well as several independent labels represented by music licensing partner Merlin, to provide the majority of popular music.
Twitch has not disclosed the exact fees that DJs will have to pay. However, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy clarified in an official blog post that the cost will be determined by how the channel is monetized. So, fortunately, DJs who don’t make money on the platform don’t have to pay anything.
On the bright side, the company said it helps most DJs pay 50% of their royalties. Additionally, existing Twitch DJs will receive a one-year stipend, providing financial support and a transition period to adapt to the new program.
“We’re proud to be the first major service to provide a safe, permanent home for DJs to livestream, and we’re excited to promote and support these creators as they build communities on our service and beyond,” Clancy said.
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The program is expected to launch later this summer.
Clancy used to revealed More details about the program were given in an interview on the channel TweakMusicTips two months ago.
He said, “We’re going to have to split the money with the labels. It’s not free. I’ve already talked to some DJs about this and they understand that of course they don’t have to split the money, but[Twitch]is going to split whatever the cost is.”
“It’s important that DJs understand that Twitch’s current situation is not sustainable and that solutions must be found for a viable future for the community,” Clancy wrote in today’s post.
The company will be hosting a livestream with Clancy and DJ Jazzy Jeff today at 2:30pm ET to celebrate the new DJ category.
