Universal Music Expands in China With NetEase Deal

Universal Music Group partners with NetEase Cloud Music to expand streaming in China, including AI safeguards for artists and global catalog access

Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed a new multi-year licensing agreement with Chinese streaming platform NetEase Cloud Music, expanding its presence in one of the world’s largest music markets.

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The agreement ensures that UMG’s global artist roster including Taylor Swift will be available to stream on NetEase, one of China’s leading music services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Both companies highlighted provisions addressing artificial intelligence, underscoring a “shared commitment to responsible AI practices” aimed at protecting artists and their music amid evolving technology trends.

UMG and NetEase first collaborated in 2020 under a similar licensing arrangement.

The new contract strengthens their partnership and signals a continued focus on digital growth in China’s competitive streaming market.

Timothy Xu, CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with NetEase Cloud Music to further introduce UMG’s unrivaled artist roster and music catalog available to Chinese music fans.”

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The deal reflects the strategic importance of China’s streaming industry for major labels and highlights ongoing efforts to balance technological innovation with artist protections.