Universal Music and ElevenLabs partner on licensed AI music creation platform

Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year partnership to develop an AI-driven music creation platform that will give creators access to UMG's licensed music library for remixing, mashups, and reimagined versions of existing tracks. The deal marks yet another strategic move by the recording giant to explore AI-assisted music tools while maintaining artist involvement.

Expanding UMG's AI footprint#

This partnership is one of several AI initiatives currently underway at Universal Music. The company has already established AI music platforms with Udio and negotiated AI licensing agreements with major tech companies including Spotify, Nvidia, and Klay. The landscape intensified this week when Suno unveiled its first AI music model, trained on licensed material from Warner Music Group, BMG, and other music industry partners.

Artist participation and compensation#

A key distinction of this platform is that participation remains voluntary—artists can choose whether to have their work included in the ElevenLabs tool. UMG emphasized that the partnership centers on combining the label's rights management infrastructure and artist relationships with ElevenLabs' generative AI technology to create what the companies describe as fair compensation mechanisms for artists and songwriters.

ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski stated: "By combining UMG's global community and rights management expertise, with our AI models and products, we'll enable artists and songwriters to create powerful new experiences for their fans, and ensure they are fairly compensated."

What's next#

The announcement indicates that the partnership extends beyond the music creation platform itself, with both companies planning to develop additional products and fan-facing experiences over time, though specifics were not disclosed. The new tool will operate independently from ElevenLabs' existing Music API and ElevenMusic generator offerings.