Twitch is launching a dedicated DJ program, enabling DJs to stream popular music legally in a new DJ Category. This is made possible through partnerships with major labels like Universal, Warner, Sony, and various independent labels. Twitch aims to be a long-term home for DJs, supporting their growth and community building.
DJs have flourished on Twitch, with numbers quadrupling since early 2020. However, they’ve faced challenges with music rights. The new DJ Program resolves this by compensating musicians when their tracks are used. Twitch will share earnings from DJ channels with music companies, covering costs initially and then sharing them 50/50 with streamers. Non-monetizing DJs won’t be financially impacted as Twitch covers their costs.
Recognizing the previous model’s unsustainability, Twitch developed this program to prevent DJs from facing DMCA and copyright issues. To help with the transition, Twitch will provide a one-year subsidy to cover revenue differences, reducing gradually.
The program, launching this summer, requires DJs to opt-in to a new agreement. DJs who mix other content should create a separate DJ channel. This initiative ensures a sustainable, fair future for DJs on Twitch while compensating musicians appropriately.
Dan Clancy, Twitch CEO, encourages DJs to review the program details to prepare for these upcoming changes.
