Spotify and Kobalt Announce Licensing Agreement for Fan-Made Covers and Remixes — Spotify
Spotify and Kobalt announced a licensing deal for a paid tool enabling fan-made covers and remixes, sharing revenue with participating songwriters while directing listeners to original tracks.
Spotify and Kobalt, the largest independent music publisher, have finalized a licensing agreement for a new tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of songs from participating songwriters. The tool will operate as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium users, generating additional income for songwriters involved. Spotify previously announced the creation model, which emphasizes direct sharing of value from licensed covers and remixes. The agreement underscores the importance of consent, credit, and compensation for songwriters in the development process.
Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s SVP and Global Head of Music, highlighted the partnership’s focus on collaboration with songwriters and publishers. He stated that the tool is designed to ensure songwriters benefit from the creations while driving listeners back to the original songs. Hellman also expressed anticipation for expanding the initiative with more partners. The announcement reflects Spotify’s commitment to building tools that support creators and songwriters within its ecosystem.
Laurent Hubert, Kobalt’s CEO, emphasized the demand among fans for deeper engagement with music through creation. He described Spotify’s AI-powered tools as built on ethical training, fair compensation, and intentional safeguards. Hubert noted that the agreement aims to provide songwriters with new ways to connect with audiences while directly benefiting from the creative opportunities. The partnership aligns with Kobalt’s mission to support songwriters in monetizing their work through innovative platforms.
The licensing deal follows Spotify’s earlier announcement of the tool, which will be available as a paid feature for Premium users. Songwriters participating in the program will receive compensation for covers and remixes created using their songs. The initiative is expected to create a new revenue stream for songwriters while expanding creative options for listeners. Spotify and Kobalt plan to continue refining the tool based on feedback from creators and users.