Warner Music Group Partners with AI Music Generator Suno
Warner Music Group (WMG) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the AI music generator, Suno. This collaboration is described as a “first-of-its-kind” agreement aimed at enhancing music creation, interaction, and discovery while ensuring that artists, songwriters, and the broader creative community are fairly compensated and protected.
Settlement of Previous Litigation
The agreement also resolves prior legal disputes between the two companies. According to a press release, the partnership combines Suno’s advanced AI technology with WMG’s expertise in artist development and the intersection of music and technology.
Control for Artists and Songwriters
Under this new arrangement, artists and songwriters will retain full control over how their names, images, likenesses, voices, and compositions are utilized in AI-generated music. The press release outlined that in 2026, Suno plans to implement several updates to its platform, which will include the launch of new licensed models.
Changes to the Platform
As part of these changes, the existing models will be phased out, and downloading audio will require a paid account. Additionally, Suno will impose restrictions on downloads in specific scenarios; songs created under the free tier will not be downloadable but will remain playable and shareable. Users on the paid tier will face monthly download limits but will have the option to purchase additional downloads.
Acquisition of Songkick
Suno has also acquired Songkick, a platform for live music and concert discovery, from Warner Music Group, and intends to maintain it as a successful destination for fans. The companies believe that merging Suno and Songkick will enhance the connection between artists and fans.
Commitment to AI in Music
Both WMG and Suno are dedicated to establishing a framework for a next-generation licensed AI music platform. Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, remarked, “This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone.” He emphasized that the partnership aims to expand revenue opportunities and enhance fan experiences.
“This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone.”
AI and Artist Protection
Kyncl further noted that AI can be beneficial to artists when it adheres to principles such as committing to licensed models and providing artists with the option to control the use of their identities in new AI-generated songs.
“Our partnership with Warner Music unlocks a bigger, richer Suno experience for music lovers, and accelerates our mission to change the place of music in the world by making it more valuable to billions of people.”
Future Enhancements
Mikey Shulman, CEO of Suno, stated that the collaboration will enhance how music is created, consumed, and shared, with plans for new features that foster collaboration with talented musicians worldwide.
Recent Funding and Developments
This announcement follows Suno’s recent closure of a $250 million Series C funding round, which valued the company at $2.45 billion. The funding round was led by Menlo Ventures and included participation from NVentures, Hallwood Media, Lightspeed, and Matrix.
Additionally, WMG resolved a lawsuit with Udio last week and reached a licensing agreement for a next-generation AI music platform set to launch in 2026. This news came shortly after WMG announced a partnership with Stability AI aimed at promoting responsible AI use in music creation.
These settlements and licensing agreements follow a lawsuit filed by the RIAA on behalf of major record companies against Udio and Suno for alleged copyright infringement. Universal Music Group also settled with Udio last month, securing a deal for a licensed AI music platform scheduled for 2026. Meanwhile, organizations such as Denmark’s Koda and Germany’s GEMA continue to pursue copyright claims against Suno.
