Facebook to launch officially licensed music videos in August

This is according to Tech Crunch, which on 14 July reported that Facebook had informed Page owners linked to artists that they would need to toggle on a new setting to add their music videos to their page before 1 August.

“Artists will not have to manually upload their videos or even provide links,” the article reads. “Instead, by enabling the new setting, artists are giving Facebook permission to add music videos to their page, where they can be discovered by fans on the Page’s Videos tab. This library will include both the artist’s own official videos and those they’re featured in.”

Additionally, selecting the option will give Facebook permission to share aggregate performance insights with rights holders, including likes, shares, comments, views and other engagement data associated with these auto-generated posts, the materials noted.

Once enabled, artists can edit or remove their videos from this destination at any time. However, if they decide not to enable the option or miss the deadline, Facebook will create an official music Page on their behalf. The page will be controlled by Facebook and will be accessible by fans through the Facebook Watch tab and the new music video destination on the platform. Facebook Watch, is currently the platform’s dedicated video location.

Facebook also sent an email to Page owners which explains that the new releases received from music labels would automatically be shared directly on the artist’s Page timeline. However, the setting for automatic sharing can be turned off at any time.

The new move by Facebook could be a challenge to video sharing platform YouTube. Last year Bloomberg reported that Facebook was negotiating with major music rights holders Universal Media Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group to secure rights to music videos. The article further noted that record labels were urging Facebook to step up to give them a credible alternative to YouTube, which they felt does not pay enough.

Artists under major US labels can only publish a short preview on Facebook due to licensing rights. However, Facebook already offers a music video experience in other countries such as Thailand and India.