Twitch’s DJ Program brings tracks from top labels to a musical category

DJs who want to spin a set on Twitch can now play popular songs in their streams. The platform’s new DJ Program is a revenue-sharing opportunity for disc jockeys who operate with the corresponding category on Twitch.

Twitch describes its recording industry agreement as the culmination of a three-year process that will give DJs a home for digital sessions. The Amazon-owned platform negotiated licensing agreements with Big Three labels Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, as well as “hundreds of indies” through Merlin.

DJs who join Twitch’s Program will be able to use music from the aforementioned sources. Twitch didn’t disclose the percentage of earnings that will go to the labels, but it said that it will split the cost 50/50 with DJ Program partners. To sweeten the deal, Twitch is offering a one-year subsidy to help existing DJs in its community cover licensing costs.

There are currently more than 15,000 DJs who are actively streaming on Twitch. One of those emcees, DJ Jazzy Jeff

 (yes, the same one), celebrated the launch of the DJ Program by collaborating with Twitch CEO Dan Clancy on the platform’s official account.

“One of our core values as a company is that we support creators of all types,” Clancy wrote in a blog post. “When DJs use music created by others, it’s important that any revenue generated on Twitch also be shared with those musicians. This is something many DJs have told us they agree with, but until now there has been no easy way to do so. To cover the cost of the music used in DJ live-streams, we will set aside a portion of earnings generated by DJ channels to be paid to musicians via music companies that represent them.”

DJs will also receive promotional opportuities through Twitch’s program. With this announcement, we can make a clear declaration: This weekend, the party’s jumping off on Twitch.