Warner Music Group and Suno have unveiled a landmark strategic partnership to redefine how music is created, discovered, and experienced through licensed AI technology. The agreement brings together one of the world’s largest music companies with one of the fastest-growing AI music platforms, marking a significant shift in how artificial intelligence will be integrated into artist-driven ecosystems. As part of the deal, Suno also acquired Songkick from Warner Music Group, adding a central live-music discovery platform to its portfolio. The announcement confirms that previous litigation between the two companies has been resolved.
The collaboration will focus on developing next-generation licensed AI music models that prioritize compensation and protection for artists, songwriters, and the broader creative community. Warner Music Group intends to leverage Suno’s advanced AI technology to create new revenue channels and fan experiences, while ensuring that creative rights and reputation safeguards remain at the forefront. Artists and songwriters will have full control over how their names, likenesses, voices, and compositions are used in AI-generated works, with participation handled through an opt-in process.
Suno plans to launch a new suite of more advanced licensed AI models in 2026. When these models go live, existing models will be deprecated. The company will also shift its platform policies by limiting free-tier downloads and introducing monthly download caps for paid subscribers, with the option to purchase additional downloads. These changes signal a broader effort to create a sustainable commercial framework that better reflects the value of music created and distributed through AI platforms.
With the acquisition of Songkick, Suno aims to connect interactive music creation with concert discovery and live performance. By combining Suno’s AI music tools with Songkick’s event-driven ecosystem, the company expects to build more engaging fan experiences and expand the relationship between artists and audiences. Warner Music Group and Suno describe the partnership as an opportunity to establish a blueprint for responsibly developed, licensed AI music systems while empowering over 100 million creators already using Suno’s tools.
Both companies expect the collaboration to drive new opportunities for artists, accelerate music innovation, and shape the future of interactive music experiences.
KEY QUOTES
“This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone. With Suno rapidly scaling, both in users and monetization, we’ve seized this opportunity to shape models that expand revenue and deliver new fan experiences. AI becomes pro-artist when it adheres to our principles: committing to licensed models, reflecting the value of music on and off platform, and providing artists and songwriters with an opt-in for the use of their name, image, likeness, voice and compositions in new AI songs.”
Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group
“Our partnership with Warner Music unlocks a bigger, richer Suno experience for music lovers, and accelerates our mission to change the place of music in the world by making it more valuable to billions of people. Together, we can enhance how music is made, consumed, experienced and shared. This means we’ll be rolling out new, more robust features for creation, opportunities to collaborate and interact with some of the most talented musicians in the world, all while continuing to build the biggest music ecosystem possible.”
Mikey Shulman, CEO, Suno
