The UK government has staunchly abandoned its prior proposal for an expansive text and data mining exception in copyright law, originally intended for use by AI companies. Instead, it is pivoting towards crafting a code of practice around AI and copyright, a move contested by the tech sector seeking more legal leeway.
As reported last week, Spotify’s seismic shift in royalty calculations is raising eyebrows, particularly among independent musicians. The main focuses are on royalties of low-stream tracks, functional noise compensation alterations, and a crackdown on streaming abuse.
The relentless surge in app usage continues, according to data.ai’s comprehensive “State of Mobile” report for 2023, offering insights into the evolving landscape and predictions for the year ahead. Mobile consumption witnessed a 6% increase, averaging 5 hours per person daily. A notable trend is the shifting focus on social platforms, with users spending more time while posting fewer personal updates. The rise in direct messaging suggests a transition toward entertainment-focused social interactions.
Short-form video phenomenon TikTok has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first non-game app to surpass $10 billion in consumer spending. Projections by data.ai suggest that TikTok is on track to become the highest-grossing app in history by the end of the year. Randy Nelson, a spokesperson for data.ai, highlighted TikTok’s exceptional performance, noting that it entered 2023 with $6.2 billion in cumulative consumer spending and added $3.8 billion over the year.
Warner Music CEO, Robert Kyncl, is charting a transformative course for the music industry, designating 2024 as “the year of the next ten” in a memo to his staff. Reflecting on the industry’s profound evolution over the past decade, Kyncl sees the present moment as one of strength, positioning the company to shape a successful future.
A new report has been put together analysing Spotify and their restructured payment model. The report delves into the legal and contractual intricacies, scrutinising who stands to benefit and lose the most, providing a comprehensive understanding of the streaming platform’s compensation changes in 2024.
Streaming constitutes an astonishing 84% of US music industry revenue, with SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music being dominant players. Direct uploads on platforms like Bandcamp, YouTube, TikTok, and SoundCloud provide artists with avenues for direct engagement. However, uncertainties arise, such as Bandcamp’s recent acquisition by Songtradr and potential security concerns linked to TikTok’s Chinese connections.
TikTok is unveiling new desktop-based creator tools to enhance performance measurement and audience engagement. The new Creator Center UI, currently in testing with select users, presents a revamped analytics interface on the desktop version of the app.
Microsoft’s AI-driven chatbot, Copilot, has found a musical partner in Suno, an AI music app. Through this collaboration, Copilot users can craft complete songs by entering simple text prompts. From pop adventures with family to any imaginative request, Suno, via a plug-in, transforms these prompts into songs featuring lyrics, instrumentals, and singing voices. Users, after enabling the Suno plug-in on Copilot’s website, can share their AI-generated tracks on social media.
Google will further adapt its controversial in-app payment policies for Android devices, as part of a substantial $700 million settlement addressing allegations it abused its dominance to overcharge consumers. The deal involves all 50 US states, led by North Carolina’s attorney general Josh Stein, who expects Google’s concessions to stimulate more innovation and lower prices.
