Looking to offer livestreamers a solution to the whole Twitch debacle, in which last August saw users' archived footage get muted if it contained copyrighted music, the company today has a new initiative that just might work: a music library of free-to-use music.
Appropriately dubbed the "Twitch Music Library," this new catalog features more than 500 songs provided by "established and burgeoning labels" that have been cleared for use by Twitch broadcasters for both live content and associated archived video. The library contains tracks from labels like Mad Decent, Dim Mak, Spinnin Records, Fools Gold, and more. Twitch says they'll continue to add to the library as more music industry partners become a part of the system.
"These tracks will not be flagged by the audio recognition system implemented in 2014 to protect audio copyright holders and Twitch broadcasters alike," Twitch promised.
The company is even working with music content creators in its new beta Music category. This new music initiative allows artists to broadcast their music using the beta Music category.
"The Music category – which is listed among the hundreds of game titles a broadcaster can designate for a particular stream – is for musicians who are creating, performing and presenting original songs," Twitch explained. "Certain established labels and artists, with Twitch’s approval, will also have the option to host radio-style listening shows and broadcast large scale events, such as music festivals."
I don't personally livestream, but I understand the frustration livestreamers faced when they suddenly had their VODs muted last August. This may not be the final solution to the ongoing copyright battle, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. The best way to prevent disputes over the use and ownership of music is to offer royalty free stuff from the get-go. Granted, 500 tracks pales in comparison to the number of people livestreaming their games, but it's a start. Twitch is even hopeful that the initiative could spark interest from other record labels and artists.
“We have found huge success with the response to Monstercat FM on Twitch,” said Monstercat CEO & Co-Founder, Mike Darlington. “Not only do our fans now have 24/7 access to streaming Monstercat music, but Twitch users can tap into the Twitch Music Library to use music approved for both broadcasting and VODs. This has been a proving ground that the music and gaming industries can coexist and thrive on the platform.”
You can check out the full list of tracks included in the Twitch Music Library here.
