TORONTO – The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) has inked a new agreement that makes it easier for members to receive additional money from the use of their music in any videos posted to YouTube.
The new deal between SOCAN and Audiam complements SOCAN's more traditional Canadian licensing agreement with YouTube, generating additional YouTube income for creators and publishers affiliated with SOCAN, securing them an even larger portion of YouTube revenues. This multipronged approach is consistent with SOCAN's view that in today's digital and borderless world, collective rights management organizations should explore innovative ways to uphold the value of the music created or published by their members on new outlets or services.
The agreement enables unsigned artists and unsigned songwriters to:
– Identify YouTube videos using participating SOCAN members' music;
– Authorize YouTube to place advertising on the videos, ensuring that every video generates revenue;
– Collect money and pay participating SOCAN members for the plays of their music in YouTube videos;
– Advocate for and enforce SOCAN members' rights;
– Track and obtain back-revenues owed to songwriters, composers and music publishers; and
– Arrange for a "buy link" to be posted below YouTube videos with their songs.
