Music Tech Roundup: TikTok, Roblox, UMG & EU, and Luminate’s Midyear Highlights
The music industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the past week brought major updates from platforms shaping its digital future—from TikTok empowering songwriters to Roblox unlocking new IP opportunities for creators. Here's a quick rundown:
1. TikTok Gives Songwriters the Spotlight
TikTok has rolled out a new set of tools called Songwriter Features to elevate writers behind the music. Still in closed beta, the update adds a “Songwriter” tag to verified profiles and a dedicated music tab showcasing their catalog. Built with feedback from 800+ songwriters, the feature aims to boost visibility and discoverability of behind-the-scenes talent.
🔗 Read more on Music Business Worldwide
2. Roblox Launches Licensing Platform with Netflix & Lionsgate
Roblox has partnered with Netflix and Lionsgate to launch License Manager, a platform that allows creators to legally use popular IPs like Stranger Things, Twilight, and Squid Game to build immersive experiences. The move dramatically shortens licensing timelines from months to days and signals Roblox’s deeper move into branded content creation.
🔗 Read more on Music Business Worldwide
3. UMG’s $775M Deal Faces EU Antitrust Probe
The European Commission has launched a full antitrust investigation into Universal Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music's assets. The probe was triggered after UMG declined to offer remedies by the July 15 deadline, following backlash from over 200 independent labels concerned about competition.
🔗 Read more on Music Business Worldwide
4. Luminate Reveals Midyear Charts: Wallen & Kendrick Dominate
Luminate’s 2025 midyear charts show Morgan Wallen and Kendrick Lamar leading U.S. music consumption. Wallen’s One Thing at a Time remains the top album, while Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” sits as the No. 1 song. Overall U.S. consumption is up 6.3% year-over-year, with on-demand audio streaming surpassing 800 billion streams in the first half of the year.
🔗 Read more on Billboard
That’s a wrap for this week’s music industry roundup.
Check back next week for the latest headlines at the intersection of music, tech, and business.
Got a tip or spotted a story we missed? Let us know—DMs open.
