By Mauro Orru


Spotify Technology will introduce new features that will help Universal Music Group artists promote new releases and better engage with their fans as part of an expanded partnership between the streaming giant and the record label behind the Weeknd, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift.

The two companies said in a joint statement on Thursday that Universal Music artists will be able to share teasers of upcoming music on Spotify to build up excitement within their fan base in the run-up to a release. Spotify will also distribute music videos in the U.S. under a new agreement.

Spotify and Universal didn't specify when the new features would be available, saying they would share more details in the near future as they continue to explore additional features allowing fans to discover artists.

"The forthcoming features will put more power in the hands of artists and their teams to help them authentically express themselves, efficiently promote their work, and better monetize their art," said Spotify Chief Executive Daniel Ek.

The announcement comes nearly two months after Universal Music pulled its songs from TikTok as the record label and the popular video-sharing app failed to reach a licensing agreement.


Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-28-24 1017ET