Music has always been a problem for streamers due to complex laws and unavailable songs, but now Twitch is helping out its users by introducing Soundtrack By Twitch – a new music library containing hundreds of songs that can be used for free. The new service will solve a simple but significant problem that Twitch streamers have, namely the limitations on music that they may use in a live stream. Twitch is the preferred platform for gamers to stream on and has the biggest audience for gaming streams. For this reason, Twitch users don't want dead air on their streams as it lessens their chances of accumulating an active fan base.
Streamers aren't allowed to use copyrighted music unless they have the rights to it, which can be difficult and expensive to get. Earlier this year a musician created an algorithm to illustrate the strict copyright laws in place, and why some copyright claims edge into the realm of ludicrousness. Streamers that do use copyrighted music while on-air are generally safe from copyright claims, but if they upload clips of their stream to other social media platforms these will most often be taken down, and a copyright strike is given to the streamer. After three strikes the streamer is permanently banned from Twitch.
The Soundtrack By Twitch is therefore a much-needed application. The beta version has just been announced and released, and Twitch says that it has been in development for the last year. It is a tool that provides a collection of licensed music, rights already bought, for streamers to rummage through and use while they are live. Soundtrack By Twitch is a software separate from Twitch's actual streaming platform, but integrates with streaming software and broadcasts the music stream in sync with the video stream. Unfortunately, this early version is only compatible with OBS Studio v.26.0 or later on PC, but it will soon be compatible with Twitch Studio & Streamlabs OBS too. It will also be expanding its availability in the next few weeks, as well as its repertoire of playlists and stations regularly.
While the service is starting off with smaller indie artists, Twitch is also partnering with bigger distribution platforms like SoundCloud. This means that lesser know musicians will suddenly have an entire Twitch audience listening to their music, turning the streaming platform into a place where fledgling artists can break out of. Facebook has also recently added a huge library of licensed music free to use for those streaming on its site, although it has partnered with some bigger record labels to bring more popular music to its users that is still cleared for use.
This is an exciting step forward for Twitch streamers, as not only is Soundtrack By Twitch providing a legal way of adding music to streams, but it is also bringing fresh artists out into the open with some original music. It will be interesting to see how streamers incorporate this new tool into their creations, hopefully, they will be able to express themselves better without having to tiptoe around copyright infringements.
Source: Twitch