Popular livestreaming platform Twitch has unveiled a new program aimed squarely at DJs. The program allows creators to incorporate copyrighted music into their streams, but there’s a catch – they’ll have to share some of the revenue generated with record labels.

This move comes after years of uncertainty for Twitch DJs. Many creators faced the constant threat of DMCA takedowns – legal notices demanding the removal of copyrighted material – for playing popular music during their sets. While Twitch worked behind the scenes to “mitigate” these risks, CEO Dan Clancy hinted earlier this year that a more permanent solution was in the works.

The answer arrived in the form of a partnership with industry giants. Twitch signed deals with all the major record labels – Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music – along with hundreds of independent labels. This collaboration paves the way for a “safe, permanent home for DJs” according to Twitch, allowing them to freely express themselves through music without the fear of copyright infringement.

But how will this revenue-sharing work? The details are still a little fuzzy. Twitch hasn’t publicly disclosed the exact percentage of earnings that will go to rights holders. This percentage will also vary slightly depending on how a streamer generates income on the platform (subscriptions, ads, etc.). However, Twitch has assured creators that they won’t be shouldering the burden alone. The company will be splitting the cost with the streamer in a 50/50 split.

There’s some relief for beginner DJs as well. To ease the transition, Twitch will be offering a one-year subsidy to all participating DJs. This subsidy will cover the entirety of the rights costs in the beginning, gradually decreasing until creators are responsible for their full share by year’s end. DJs who don’t currently monetize on Twitch are exempt from these fees altogether.

The new program is expected to launch later this summer alongside a dedicated “DJ Category” for streamers. It’s important to note that this licensing feature only applies to live streams. Previously broadcasted clips and highlights fall under a different set of copyright rules and won’t be covered by this program.

While some might see this revenue sharing as an added cost, Twitch paints a different picture. In their blog post, they acknowledge the “critical role” pre-recorded music plays in a DJ’s creative expression. They argue that the previous system, where DJs were solely responsible for navigating copyright issues, was unsustainable. This new program, they believe, offers a viable future for the DJ community on Twitch.

Whether this system will be embraced by all DJs remains to be seen. The coming months will reveal how the community reacts to the finer details of the revenue split and the overall impact on their creative freedom.