Udio × Merlin
AI music company Udio and Merlin, a digital licensing partner for independent labels, announced a partnership allowing Merlin's members to opt-in to license their recordings for training AI models. [33, 34] The deal provides a structured way for the independent music sector to participate in the AI economy and receive compensation, though payment terms were not disclosed. [29, 32] This followed Udio's settlements and similar licensing deals with major labels Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group in late 2025. [33]
The asset
A landmark partnership establishing a framework for licensing music from Merlin's independent members to train Udio's AI models. [34]
- 15 represented market share
The record
- Seller status
- Going concern
- Sector
- music licensing
- Modalities
- music
What it means if you hold data
The agreement provides a critical pathway for the large and diverse independent music community to engage with AI on its own terms. It establishes a consent-based, opt-in model for tens of thousands of smaller labels, ensuring they are not left out as the industry moves toward licensed AI training data. [35, 29]
Sources
- merlinnetwork.org — https://merlinnetwork.org/press/merlin-and-udio-partner-to-advance-ai-for-independent-music/
- merlinnetwork.org — https://merlinnetwork.org/news/merlin-and-udio-partner-to-advance-ai-for-independent-music/
- completemusicupdate.com — https://completemusicupdate.com/ai-music-creation-platform-udio-signs-deal-with-indie-label-licensing-body-merlin/
- impalamusic.org — https://impalamusic.org/merlin-and-udio-partner-to-advance-ai-for-independent-music/