Big push for tech in music this week! Records set, legal frames being worked out, there are some key evolutions at stake.
#1. GenAI market raises concerns for the creator economy
That might have been the main news of the week; expectations for GenAI market are impressive. So much so that the creator economy feels ill at ease. A new CISAC report predicts that generative AI could "cannibalize" 24% of music creators' revenues by 2028, amounting to $10.5 billion in losses over five years. With AI-generated music expected to account for 20% of streaming revenue and 60% of B2B music libraries, creators face growing competition from AI-driven content.
Without masking the technology’s potential to enhance creativity, industry leaders stress the need to protect human creators' rights and ensure fair compensation. CISAC is urging global policymakers to address these challenges, emphasizing the ethical and economic importance of copyright in the creator economy.
#2. Metaverse isn’t dead; Fortnite is still going strong
Yup, you’re not done hearing about avatar versions of your favorite artists. Fortnite just broke records with Remix: The Finale, a virtual concert featuring Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Ice Spice, and a tribute to Juice WRLD. The event attracted over 14 million concurrent players in-game, with an additional three million viewers streaming live. This finale capped off a month-long music series tied to Fortnite’s Chapter 2 Remix launch, featuring themed content and weekly music drops.
This success highlights the metaverse's potential as a platform for artist promotion, especially for reaching younger audiences. With platforms like Fortnite, Roblox, and TikTok connecting millions, artists and labels are finding creative ways to bridge generational gaps and drive engagement through immersive digital experiences.
#3. Music & Gaming, (definitely) stronger together
Keeping up on that note for a while, music and gaming have been increasingly interconnected, creating opportunities for both industries to grow. From procedural soundtracks that adapt to gameplay to licensed songs enhancing emotional experiences in games like NBA2K and Grand Theft Auto, music plays a vital role in the gaming experience. Platforms like Roblox and Minecraft take this further by letting developers and players integrate curated tracks, blending personalization with gameplay.
That’s one of the latest topics from Music X. The challenges often revolve around rights management. Licensing music for games can be complex, but companies like STYNGR are paving the way with pre-cleared catalogs and developer-friendly APIs. These solutions not only simplify the process but also drive key gaming metrics like session length and player retention.
Ultimately, music and gaming share a common challenge: discovery. By working together, they can cut through the noise, offering mutual benefits—games can elevate the music experience, while music can make gameplay even more engaging. For the creative industries, this collaboration isn’t just an opportunity; it’s a necessity for the future.
#4. ElevenLabs next deal: Bertelsmann
We’re not done with GenAI for this Weekly Roundup. Bertelsmann, the parent company of BMG, has partnered with AI startup ElevenLabs to explore applications of AI in voice and music production. The collaboration initially focuses on enhancing media storytelling with lifelike AI-generated voices, which are already used for dubbing projects like Myths and Monsters.
Looking ahead, the partnership plans to expand into AI-generated music, aiming to streamline production processes while empowering creators to focus on more meaningful work. ElevenLabs emphasized that their tools are not replacements for creators but a way to enhance efficiency and creativity. This is part of Bertelsmann's broader push into generative AI, leveraging its Tech & Data Alliance and AI Hub to adopt cutting-edge solutions across its businesses.
#5. Spotify adapts its monetization model to video podcasts
Spotify is doubling down on video podcasts, unveiling a revamped monetization model aimed at creators. Rebranding its "Spotify for Podcasters" hub to "Spotify for Creators," the platform now supports a more fluid definition of podcasts, integrating video as a key feature. Through the new Spotify Partner Program, video creators who meet engagement thresholds can monetize their content, mirroring YouTube's approach.
While video is growing in importance, 44% of Spotify users still prefer audio-only podcasts, highlighting that video podcasts won't replace traditional formats but add new revenue streams and discovery opportunities. Short-form video clips, up to 90 seconds long, are also being introduced, aligning with trends on TikTok and YouTube to boost podcast discoverability.
This strategic pivot positions Spotify as a format-agnostic platform, catering to creators across mediums and reshaping how audiences engage with podcasts in a video-driven world.
