Facebook Gaming is upping up its platform’s ante by figuring out a solution for what Twitch streamers have had big problems with—copyrights on music.
Technically speaking, the restriction on the use of music for content creators has long been a problem. But the recent Facebook Gaming announcement is a much-needed remedy for Twitch streamers in the past.
Sometime in June, Twitch decided to issue many streamers DMCA notices for copyrighted music. Most of which were from old video clips. Twitch resorted to deleting “existing clips containing copyrighted music,” without slapping a penalty on its streamers.
With Facebook Gaming fairly new to the game streaming scene, it is making the right move by solving a long-time problem.
Facebook Gaming on background music: “Achievement unlock”
On Monday, Facebook Gaming released a blog update announcing the use of background music. There are still some restrictions, but the platform aims to make the process earlier for its streamers.
As Mark Zuckerberg’s platform puts it, “so you can focus on being a great streamer, and not a rights specialist.”
The platform secured licenses that’ll over “more than 90 countries.” As to who Facebook Gaming partnered with, an excerpt of its announcement reads:
“That’s why we’re partnering with the music industry to open up a vast catalogue of popular music for Facebook Gaming Partners to play while livestreaming games. Our work with music labels, publishers and societies, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Kobalt Music Group, BMG publishing, Merlin and many partners means you’re able to include a vast amount of music across a variety of genres – current pop hits, dance floor beats, hip hop, 80s classics and much more.”
What makes a great gaming stream better? Music. And not just the kind of music you might hear in an elevator if you’re lucky – but tracks people recognize and enjoy. And so…<record scratch>. pic.twitter.com/js7of6dJJM
— Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) September 14, 2020
How does this work?
To kick start this new milestone, only the partnered creators will be able to try out the new feature. Nonetheless, Level Up creators will be able to enjoy this privilege real soon.
For its restriction, the use of music should remain as a background, while the streamers should focus on the gaming aspect of the stream. “Playing DJ without gaming is a no-no,” Facebook Gaming warns.
For those who accidentally played a “restricted track,” Facebook Gaming will notify affected streamers of the section in their videos where the song in question was played.
In the meantime, non-partnered creators can continue using the platform’s Sound Collection to avail the “royalty-free music options” while waiting for the global rollout of this game-changing feature.
This might be appealing to many streamers out there who would love to spice up their channels with music that their viewers and followers can relate to.
Featured image courtesy of Tanner Boriack/Unsplash