As social media network Triller continues to grow following its merger with Verzuz, the company announced on Thursday (May 20) it had finally settled its dispute with Universal Music Group and agreed to a licensing and publishing deal.
According to Variety, Triller now has access to UMG’s full catalog of music from its respective labels and artists as well as the songwriters and catalogs owned by Universial Music Publishing Group.
“We are pleased to announce our renewed agreement with UMG and our new pact with UMPG,” Triller chairman Bobby Sarnevesht said in a statement. “Triller has become one of the most important platforms in music today, and these agreements ensure that artists and songwriters across Universal Music Group have full access to the global Triller ecosystem.”
The emerging media app’s deal with Universal previously expired in late 2020. Although Triller had temporarily extended the deal with Universal into 2021, they, at the time, had no clear indication of fully renewing it, setting off a simmering feud between the two entities.
Triller has made significant moves outside of allowing users to create short videos to upload to its platform. In March, the company officially partnered with Verzuz and has hosted three events on the platform, including SWV and Xscape’s celebration on Mother’s Day, the Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind and Fire on Easter Sunday and Method Man and Redman on April 20. They’ve also jumped into the world of boxing, hosting two fights for YouTube star Jake Paul and also the debut of a West Coast supergroup in Mt. Westmore at their Triller Fight Club event in April.
On Saturday (May 22), a new Verzuz event was confirmed with Soulja Boy and Bow Wow, despite Romeo Miller’s desire to be involved.