# Universal Music Group AI licensing partnerships

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/universal-music-group-ai-licensing-partnerships
> Updated: 2026-09-10T19:25:50.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Universal Music Group (UMG) has established multiple licensing partnerships to integrate artificial intelligence with its music catalog.

In August 2026, UMG partnered with the AI-powered app Hook. This agreement allows users to create remixes, mashups, and video content using official recordings from labels such as Republic Records and Capitol Records. The partnership focuses on licensed remixing rather than generative AI, ensuring rights-holders maintain control and receive compensation for user-generated content shared on social media platforms.

In September 2026, UMG entered a multi-year agreement with ElevenLabs to co-develop a new AI-powered music platform. This marks ElevenLabs’ first agreement with a major music label. The collaboration aims to provide tools for fans to remix, mashup, and generate personalized vocal experiences using licensed music from the UMG catalog. Beyond fan-facing applications, the companies intend to jointly develop AI audio tools specifically for artists and songwriters. Both organizations emphasized a commitment to “responsible AI development that respects human creativity and ensures creators can share in the value generated by these new technologies.”

## Claims

- The company reached an $11 billion valuation following a $500 million Series D funding round in February 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs signed a multi-year licensing agreement to develop a new AI-powered music platform. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The new platform will allow fans to remix, mashup, and create personalized vocal experiences using licensed music. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- ElevenLabs is planning an initial public offering by 2028. (single source)
- Annual recurring revenue exceeded $330 million by the end of 2025. (single source)
- The agreement excludes ElevenLabs’ existing ElevenMusic app and Music EPI API models. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs partner on AI music platform

Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have signed a multi-year deal to develop AI music platforms for fans and audio tools for artists, focusing on responsible AI and creative co-creation.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universal-music-group-and-elevenlabs-partner-on-ai-music-platform

### 2026-09-08: ElevenLabs partners with Universal Music Group for AI music platform

ElevenLabs has partnered with Universal Music Group to launch an AI music platform for remixing and vocal experiences, while eyeing a 2028 IPO following an $11 billion valuation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elevenlabs-partners-with-universal-music-group-for-ai-music-platform

### 2026-08-19: Universal Music Group partners with Hook for licensed AI music remixing

Universal Music Group is partnering with AI-powered app Hook to allow fans to create and share licensed remixes and mashups of UMG recordings across social media platforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universal-music-group-partners-with-hook-for-licensed-ai-music-remixing

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Cite as: Universal Music Group AI licensing partnerships. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/universal-music-group-ai-licensing-partnerships