Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment Spotify has entered into a direct music publishing agreement with BMG, the companies announced on Tuesday, with the world's largest streaming service now holding direct publishing agreements with the five biggest music publishers in the industry. The companies didn't disclose financial details of the agreement beyond stating that it "ensures songwriters share more directly in the value created by their work." Spotify's deal with BMG follows direct music publishing licensing deals the company has closed this year with Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell and Kobalt. It's a notable step given the strained relationship Spotify had with the music publishing industry in the past year after adopting a controversial audiobook bundling strategy that caused millions of dollars in lower payments to publishers and songwriters. Related Stories Business The Hollywood Reporter Launches Inaugural Podcast Roundtable in Partnership With Spotify Music Spotify Names Co-CEOs as Daniel Ek Transitions to Executive Chair Role "At Spotify, we believe the future of music depends on stronger collaboration across the industry," Alex Norström, Co-President & Chief Business Officer at Spotify, said in a statement. "Our partnership with BMG advances that vision with renewed support for songwriters through a licensing model that will enhance how music is enjoyed on our platform." For BMG, the move comes about two years after the indie music company had announced its intent to handle its own digital distribution, ending a partnership with Warner Music Group. "Working directly with Spotify helps us reinforce our mission to ensure songwriters are fairly represented and rewarded for their work," BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld said in a statement. "We're pleased to agree on a progressive licensing model that reflects the real-world use of music across digital platforms and are excited to take our partnership to the next level as we continue to redefine what a modern music company can be." Coesfeld also commended Spotify's recently-announced policy updates on how it will handle AI music on the platform, saying that "while we support the use of AI to enhance human creativity, these policies align with BMG's philosophy and will help ensure that fair remuneration and protection of artists' works remain non-negotiable." Spotify's BMG deal comes about a week after the streaming service announced that founder Daniel Ek would transition to the role of executive chairman at the start of 2026, with Gustav Söderström and Norström tapped as co-CEOs. "This evolution formalizes how Spotify has successfully operated since 2023 with the co-presidents largely leading strategic development and operational execution of Spotify," the company said in its announcement. "As executive chairman, Ek's role will more closely reflect a European chairman setup, where he will determine capital allocation, map the long-term future of Spotify and continue to provide support and guidance to its senior team." THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up teddy swims Selena Gomez, Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton Line 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 Soundtrack (Exclusive) Live Feed 'KPop Demon Hunters' Trio Go "Golden" on 'The Tonight Show' Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Elton John Among Initial Rock Hall Induction Special Guests music Dolly Parton's Sister Asks for Prayers Amid Singer's Health Issues: "She's Strong" Super Bowl Donald Trump Slams "Ridiculous" Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Pick: "Never Heard of Him" Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Addresses Mixed Reactions to 'The Life of a Showgirl' Album: "I Welcome the Chaos" teddy swims Selena Gomez, Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton Line 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 Soundtrack (Exclusive) Live Feed 'KPop Demon Hunters' Trio Go "Golden" on 'The Tonight Show' Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Elton John Among Initial Rock Hall Induction Special Guests music Dolly Parton's Sister Asks for Prayers Amid Singer's Health Issues: "She's Strong" Super Bowl Donald Trump Slams "Ridiculous" Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Pick: "Never Heard of Him" Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Addresses Mixed Reactions to 'The Life of a Showgirl' Album: "I Welcome the Chaos"