Universal Music Calls For Streaming Agreements That Value Artist Demand Differently

Published: 10/29/2026

Source: Universal Music Group Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge says streaming agreements should change so high-volume, fully AI-generated uploads do not automatically receive the same pro-rata treatment as music that creates sustained listener demand.

UMG told investors that more than 90,000 fully AI-generated tracks are now uploaded daily and argued that safeguards are not expanding quickly enough. The company wants stronger anti-fraud controls, disclosure and compensation models that reflect the value of career artists.

Grainge also said the position is not an argument against every form of AI. UMG continues to support licensed, opt-in AI partnerships involving companies such as ElevenLabs, Spotify, Stability AI and Splice.

Why it matters: The debate is shifting from whether AI music should exist to how streams should be counted and paid. UMG’s proposal is its commercial position—not a platform rule that has already taken effect.

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