music

• The internet is waxing nostalgic, so TikTok’s song of the summer is a blast from the past
• Instagram’s audio swapping tool is a quality-of-life upgrade for creators

  Instagram has continued its creator push by launching a tool that lets users replace the audio in old posts without affecting viewership.

  
• AI performers are making it onto the Billboard charts

  AI artists like Xania Monet are starting to make it onto the Billboard charts. Is that a good thing or an ill omen for the music business?

  
• Music promoters are paying to put songs in TikTok videos. The FTC says creators might not have to disclose those deals.

  Billboard recently took a deep dive into the world of "sound campaigns," where musicians, record labels, and/or promoters pay to have music tracks used in TikTok videos. It spoke to sources familiar with the matter, including one major label marketer who, based on their experience, believes that "75% of popular songs on TikTok started with a creator marketing campaign."

  
• Roblox wants to be its own Billboard
• Twitch drops the beat to turn up the volume on its music business
• Creators should be able to license music from major artists. Lickd lets them do it for as little as $8 a song.
• Twitch’s DJ Program brings tracks from top labels to a musical category
• The new, NFT-focused version of LimeWire has raised $17.5 million through a token sale
• Vevo unveils “celebrations-themed channel,” data-driven ad placements at NewFronts
• YouTube announces new ad products to help brands reach Gen Z through music
• Creator Music brings “mainstream” tracks to YouTube videos