This week, we’re covering news related to the business strategies of TikTok, Spotify, and Live Nation, as well as new regulations in the music industry aimed at curbing various forms of fraud. Let’s dive in!
#1. TikTok Expands Its Musical Reach with YouTube Music
TikTok is continuing its push into the music industry by adding YouTube Music to its "Add to Music App" feature. This option allows users to instantly save songs they discover on TikTok to their preferred streaming platform. Following partnerships with Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and SoundCloud, YouTube Music is the latest to join this growing ecosystem, now available in several regions around the world.
According to TikTok, the feature has already generated over a billion track saves, resulting in billions of streams across music platforms. It’s a major opportunity for artists, who benefit from increased exposure thanks to this direct link between TikTok and streaming services.
#2. Spotify Maintains Growth Despite Q2 Net Loss
Spotify continues its upward trajectory with 276 million Premium subscribers in Q2 2025, an increase of 8 million from the previous quarter exceeding expectations. Growth was seen across all markets, with particularly strong performances in Latin America, Europe, and North America. In total, the platform now boasts 696 million monthly active users.
On the financial side, Spotify reported €4.2 billion in quarterly revenue, up 15% year over year. Despite solid operating profitability, the company posted a net loss of €86 million, primarily due to high social charges and significant financial costs.
#3. The European Creative Industry Condemns the AI Act
A coalition representing leading European cultural industry organizations including CISAC, IFPI, and ICMP has strongly criticized the European Commission's implementation of the AI Act, which came into force on August 1. According to these groups, the recently published guidelines betray the Act’s original purpose. They accuse EU institutions of overlooking the core concerns of creators in favor of AI model developers. The main point of contention is Article 53, which was meant to ensure the enforcement of copyright and related rights.
#4. The US Takes Aim at Foreign Piracy
A bipartisan bill known as the Block BEARD Act (Block Bad Electronic Art and Recording Distributors) aims to step up the fight against foreign piracy websites targeting American creative works. Introduced by four senators, the legislation would allow copyright holders to take legal action in US federal courts to block access to platforms that illegally distribute protected content.
Backed by major cultural industry organizations, the bill is being hailed as a vital tool to protect the American creative economy. It signals a significant shift in US policy, as the country seeks to better safeguard its artists and creators from global digital threats.
#5. Live Nation Strengthens Its Position in Mexico
Live Nation has announced the acquisition of an additional 24% stake in Mexican promoter OCESA, raising its ownership to 75%. This move is part of a broader regional expansion strategy, as Mexico rises to become the world’s third-largest music market, fueled by booming concert attendance and streaming.
Since first investing in OCESA in 2021, Live Nation claims to have tripled concert attendance in Mexico. The company highlights the success of the partnership, combining local market expertise with global infrastructure to make the country even more attractive to international artists.
