Spotify Expands Digital Licensing Reach With AMRA Direct Deal

Spotify and amra, the global digital licensing collection society, have entered into a multi-territorial, multi-year direct licensing agreement. The announcement comes just one week after Spotify reached a separate deal with amra’s parent company, Kobalt, which is expected to improve songwriter compensation in the U.S. market.

The new agreement, aimed at delivering greater flexibility to amra’s songwriter and publisher clients, covers a broad range of digital mechanical and performing rights. In a joint statement, the companies said the agreement is structured to foster innovation, paving the way for new product features and formats that serve both creators and fans.

Spotify has long faced friction with music publishers and songwriters, especially over royalty rates. In March 2024, the company reclassified its premium subscriptions as “bundles,” combining music and audiobooks under one plan. This change led to a sharp decline in royalty payments, as bundled services qualify for discounted U.S. mechanical royalty rates. 

Since March 2024, the National Music Publishers’ Association has led a broad campaign opposing Spotify’s bundling practices. However, by January 2025, several major publishers began negotiating private deals with the platform. Universal Music Group was first to announce a direct recording and publishing agreement with Spotify — the first of its kind since the Music Modernization Act passed in 2018. Warner Chappell Music followed, and Kobalt became the third earlier this month. Spotify has yet to reach a similar deal with Sony Music Publishing, the world’s largest music publisher.

“This deal with amra increases our support of publishers and songwriters with new rights,” said Alex Norström, co-president & chief business officer at Spotify. “It expands the benefits of streaming for writers, artists, and rightsholders, while unlocking additional value for fans.”

Amra CEO Tomas Ericsson added, “Our mission is to maximize digital value for our songwriter and publisher clients and ensure their works are fairly protected and valued. This partnership with Spotify reinforces that commitment and opens the door to future innovation.”