SoundCloud inks new multi-territory licensing deal

After launching its subscription service in Australia and New Zealand in September, German-based music streaming platform SoundCloud has further expanded its global presence.

Announced overnight, SoundCloud has reached a multi-territory licensing deal with pan-European online licensing body ICE.

According to a statement, the deal with ICE covers the music platform’s service across continental Europe and the UK and includes the entire repertoire of Germany’s GEMA, Sweden’s STIM and Britain’s PRS For Music.

SoundCloud currently holds licensing agreements with all of the major labels, independents and publishers such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Merlin, Warner Music Group, Sony/ATV and SACEM.

Both SoundCloud’s premium subscription, SoundCloud Go, and its free ad-supported offering are covered in the deal. For the first time, this will allow the combined 250,000 ICE rights-holders to receive royalties when their works are streamed on SoundCloud services in the territory.

Alongside the obvious benefits of an expanded catalogue that will build upon the existing 135 million songs available to users from over 12 million unique creators, the agreement with ICE will enable SoundCloud users to add enhanced metadata to uploaded content. This ultimately maximises the royalty payments that ICE distributes to GEMA, STIM and PRS For Music.

After launching in 2015 by cause of the partnership between the three European music rights organisations involved in the SoundCloud deal, ICE provides its members with outsourcing services as well as invoicing, legal support and business intelligence analysis.