Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs announce multi-year strategic AI partnership
CE DESK 
Universal Music Group (UMG) and AI audio company ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year strategic partnership. The deal was unveiled on Wednesday, September 10, 2026. It includes a licensing agreement and a wider collaboration on AI audio products. The first outcome of the partnership will be a new AI-powered music creation platform for fans. The two companies also plan to jointly develop AI tools for artists and songwriters.
The new platform is being built on licensed music from UMG’s catalog. It will allow fans to co-create with tracks from participating artists and songwriters. Users will be able to make remixes and mashups. They can also create new interpretations of existing songs. The platform will offer personalised vocal experiences as well. This means fans may be able to add custom vocals or change how a track sounds using AI tools.
Artists will have control over whether their music appears on the platform. Participation is opt-in, not automatic. This is an important part of the deal for UMG and the artists it represents. The company has been cautious about AI in the past. It has filed lawsuits against some AI music startups over unlicensed use of its catalog. This new partnership shows a shift in strategy. UMG is now choosing to work with AI companies on its own terms.
The platform will be a separate product from ElevenLabs’ existing offerings. It will not be part of the ElevenMusic app or the Music API that the company already runs. UMG and ElevenLabs say the new service is distinct and will be offered separately. The platform is still in development. No launch date has been announced yet. Both companies say more products and fan experiences will come in the months and years ahead.
Beyond the fan platform, the deal covers joint development of AI audio products for creators. These tools are aimed at artists and songwriters who work with UMG. The goal is to give them new ways to experiment with sound and production. ElevenLabs brings its expertise in AI voice and audio generation. UMG brings its vast music catalog and industry relationships. Together, they want to create products that respect human artistry while using AI technology.
This is ElevenLabs’ first agreement with a major record label. The company has been expanding quickly into music since 2025. It is now valued at around $11 billion. The deal with UMG gives it access to one of the world’s largest music libraries. It also gives the company more credibility in the music industry. For UMG, the partnership is a way to shape how AI is used in music. Instead of only fighting AI in court, it is now building licensed AI products.
The announcement comes at a time when many labels are signing AI deals. Warner Music Group recently partnered with AI music firm Suno. Other major labels are also exploring similar collaborations. The music industry is trying to balance innovation with protection of rights. Deals like the one between UMG and ElevenLabs are part of that effort. They aim to create new revenue streams for artists while keeping control over how their work is used.
