APRA AMCOS strikes a deal with Facebook for licensed music use on platform

APRA AMCOS has finalised an agreement with Facebook that will see Australian, New Zealand and international songwriters, composers and music publishers remunerated for the use of their music on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus and Messenger.

The deal licenses the use of the millions of songs that APRA AMCOS represents in Australia and New Zealand including the songs of its 95,000 songwriters and publisher members. Facebook has a community of more than 2 billion people and continues to grow globally.

“We are delighted to be working with Facebook to ensure the creative content of our members and affiliates that is used on the platform is fairly remunerated,” said APRA AMCOS chief executive Dean Ormston.

“This is a landmark deal not just for songwriters, composers and music publishers, it also provides the Australian and New Zealand public with peace of mind that music rights holders will be compensated for the use of their works on Facebook.

“Whether it’s live music or digital, the sustainability of Australian and New Zealand music relies on our industry working in partnership with platforms like Facebook to support new developments in music consumption, ensure the public has access to great music and that music creators have a sustainable industry that supports their careers.”

As part of the agreement, APRA AMCOS will be working with Facebook to help develop its rights reporting system.

Financial details of the agreement are confidential. The Australasian deal follows agreements between Facebook and rights management organisations in other territories such as the UK, Sweden and Germany.