Spotify and Kobalt Ink Licensing Deal for New Covers and Remixes Tool

Spotify has struck a licensing agreement with independent music publisher Kobalt for its upcoming tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of songs on the platform.

The agreement builds on a steady run of deals from Spotify, including one with Universal Music Group in May and Merlin last week. 

The deal will give Spotify users the ability to create new versions of works by participating Kobalt songwriters, with rights holders sharing in the value generated by those creations.

The feature, which Spotify has previously announced but is yet to launch, will be offered as a paid add-on for Premium subscribers. The streaming giant said it will provide an additional revenue stream for songwriters and artists whose music is made available through the tool.

The agreement comes as the music industry continues to grapple with how generative AI and other emerging technologies should interact with copyright, licensing and creator compensation.

Spotify SVP and Global Head of Music Charlie Hellman said publishers and songwriters would be central to how the new feature operates. “Covers and remixes begin with the song, which makes music publishers and songwriters essential partners in building this tool the right way,” Hellman said.

“This agreement with Kobalt is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the songwriters who take part, and every creation drives listeners back to the original song. We look forward to welcoming more partners as we continue to build.”

Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert added that the agreement was designed to give songwriters a way to participate directly in fans’ growing appetite for creating their own versions of music.

“Fans have always sought deeper engagement with the songs they love, whether through listening or creating their own covers and remixes,” Hubert said. “Spotify’s new AI-powered creative tools are built on a foundation of ethical training, fair compensation, and intentional guardrails. 

"This agreement is designed to ensure our songwriters can connect with their audience in unprecedented ways, while directly benefiting from the creative opportunities these new features provide.”

Spotify has not yet announced when the covers and remixes feature will become available, or how much the Premium add-on will cost.