Warner Music Group (WMG) has reached a landmark settlement with Udio, a fast-growing shortform audio video music platform. This agreement is a landmark moment for the industry. The deal arrives on the heels of both companies’ interests in using artificial intelligence to revolutionize the way music is produced and consumed. The settlement arrives at a time of significant technological transformation in the music industry. So save the date for this exciting event, returning to San Francisco from October 13 – 15, 2026!
The partnership is about ensuring everyone knows that all music available on Udio’s platform is fully authorized and licensed. This ongoing problem has reached a key flashpoint within the current debacle in digital music distribution. Warner Music Group’s CEO Robert Kyncl has stressed the need to protect artist’s rights during this partnership.
“We’re unwaveringly committed to the protection of the rights of our artists and songwriters, and Udio has taken meaningful steps to ensure that the music on its service will be authorized and licensed.” – Robert Kyncl
Recent breakthroughs in technology and policy have made this collaboration possible and appealing. Both companies are dedicated to their mission of using AI’s potential in the music industry. Kyncl continued by saying this partnership is part of WMG’s larger mission to fuel opportunities for creativity and commerce.
“This collaboration aligns with our broader efforts to responsibly unlock AI’s potential – fueling new creative and commercial possibilities while continuing to deliver innovative experiences for fans.” – Robert Kyncl
Udio’s co-founder and CEO, Andrew Sanchez, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the partnership’s significance in shaping the future of music technology.
“This partnership is a crucial step towards realizing a future in which technology amplifies creativity and unlocks new opportunities for artists and songwriters.” – Andrew Sanchez
Udio recently announced a $7 million Series A growth settlement, after a robust financial quarter. The company finalized an impressive $250 million Series C round on November 19 of 2025. With this funding round, Udio’s post-money valuation soared to $2.45 billion. It announced that it expects to surpass $200 million in revenues this year, demonstrating its breakneck expansion and success in the emerging yet cutthroat digital music ecosystem.
The convening in San Francisco will provide an inspiring and interactive space to explore this groundbreaking relationship. Join industry leaders and stakeholders as we dive into what AI means for the future of music. Aisha Malik, consumer news reporter at TechCrunch, will be live blogging the event. She’ll share her vision for how it can change the trajectory of music for the better.
Malik came to TechCrunch in 2021, and before that he was telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. She holds an honours bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University. Anyone with ideas or feedback can reach her by email at aisha@techcrunch.com, and on encrypted messaging app Signal at aisha_malik.01.