YouTube signs up Sony BMG, Universal Music, and CBS

Copyrighted content available for users to encorporate into original content

9 October 2006 18:38 GMT / By Amber Maitland

After the rumours circulated widely today that Google may be buying YouTube, The video hosting site is hitting the headlines again after the announcement that it has signed deals with Universal Music, Sony BMG, and CBS for their content to be included in YouTube users’ created content.

Universal Music’s deal means that some of its artists’ music videos and tracks will be a available to users, but that YouTube must use new technology to find and take down unauthorised content. It’s not clear whether the content will be available for purchase.

The agreement with Sony BMG and CBS will see advertising streamed next to copyrighted content.

CBS will allows YouTube users to include news, sports, and TV shows in their self-created content. CBS will be allowed to find unauthorised content and take it down, or monetise it by adding advertising next to it.

The deals come after an initial agreement with Warner Music, who signed up its content last month.