Between collaboration, R&D, and events, innovation is driving new shifts across the industry! Let’s take a look at what’s happening this week!
#1. SoundCloud Teams Up with TikTok
SoundCloud is joining the party! They are officially the latest platform to integrate TikTok’s “Add to Music App” feature, which lets users instantly save a song they hear in a video directly to their favorite music app. Since its rollout in late 2023, the feature has already generated over a billion track saves and billions of streams, according to TikTok. Initially launched with Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, it has since expanded to include Deezer, TIDAL, Melon… And now, SoundCloud.
In the meantime, SoundCloud is also launching “Move Your Music,” a new tool that allows users to transfer their music libraries, including liked songs and playlists, from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. The goal: to make listening seamless, boost music discovery, and bridge the gap between virality and long-term engagement.
#2. Amazon Music Bets on AI to Push Music Discovery
Amazon Music is stepping up its game in artificial intelligence! On May 20, the platform launched a new AI-powered music search tool in beta in the US, available to select Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers on iOS to turn every search into a rich journey of musical discovery.
With this new feature, users can explore AI-generated playlists centered around a specific artist, uncover early hits, major collaborations, and even the influences behind their sound. This launch follows a series of AI-driven innovations from Amazon Music, including Maestro, the playlist generator introduced in April.
#3. German Artists Generated €480 M in Royalties on Spotify in 2024
According to the latest figures from Spotify’s Loud & Clear initiative, German artists earned €480 million in royalties in 2024, marking a 17% year-over-year increase, well above the overall growth of Germany’s recorded music market (+7.8%). Music performed in German is now among the top-performing languages globally on the platform, with revenue up 18% in the past year and more than doubling since 2020.
Rap, German hip-hop, pop, and EDM lead the charge. While international hits still dominate local listening (with 60% of Germany’s streaming revenue going to non-German artists), German acts are making waves abroad: over 17 million hours of German music were streamed globally, with the US leading in German music playlist creation. Impressively, over half of the revenue came from indie artists or labels, and since 2018, the number of German artists earning more than €100,000 per year on Spotify has quadrupled! Proof that in the streaming era, profitability doesn’t have to be limited to English-speaking artists!
#4. Artists Unite Against Deepfakes (Still)
Nearly 400 artists, musicians, and actors, including 21 Savage, Scarlett Johansson, Steven Tyler, and Mary J. Blige, have signed a petition in support of the No Fakes Act, a US bill designed to protect artists’ voices and likenesses from AI-generated deepfakes. Originally introduced in 2023, the bipartisan bill is making a comeback in the Senate with 40% more content, tougher penalties, and stricter enforcement measures to combat digital misuse.
Backed by major players like RIAA, YouTube, Disney, OpenAI, and a wide range of creators, the No Fakes Act could represent a key legislative milestone. One thing is certain: between copyright, digital identity, and the rise of AI-driven abuse, the fight to protect artists in the age of artificial intelligence is officially underway.
#5. Back from Atlanta’s Music Biz first edition
The Music Biz conference has officially closed its Nashville chapter and set up shop in Atlanta, where it took place last week, and where it’s set to return in 2026. While the move sparked some questions (and political murmurs), it didn’t slow down industry momentum. The major players showed up in force, from Spotify and Apple Music to the RIAA, ASCAP, Universal, and CD Baby.
Despite a slight dip in attendance, the energy on-site was undeniable—strategic talks, behind-the-scenes deals, and a strong business-driven vibe filled the venue. The city switch echoes the Grammys’ past shuffle between New York and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Nashville remains a key player, especially in high-stakes lobbying around copyright and AI. And with its rich ecosystem of songwriters and music pros, the Tennessee capital may be primed for a new flagship event. Music Biz may be betting on Atlanta, but Nashville isn’t out of the game yet.
