Spotify and Universal announced a new deal that sources say improves the payment structure for the streamer's controversial music-audiobooks 'bundle.'

Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a new, multi-year direct licensing pact that will cover the United States and several other companies, according to a Sunday release. "When we first presented our vision for the next stage in the evolution of music subscription several months ago -- Steaming 2.

Universal Music Group (UMG) , the world's biggest music label, and Swedish streaming giant Spotify have reached a new multi-year agreement for recorded music and music publishing, they said on Sunday.

The deal establishes a direct license between the companies across Spotify’s current product portfolio in the U.S. and beyond.

It’s official: as MBW reported earlier, Spotify and Universal Music Group have inked a new multi-year licensing agreement. Both sides of the deal have now confirmed their fresh alliance.

A joint statement said the two firms 'will collaborate closely to advance the next era of streaming innovation.'

Spotify and Universal Music Group have struck a new multi-year agreement focused on driving subscriber growth and advancing music monetization.

Universal Music Group NV and Spotify Technology SA reached a new multiyear distribution agreement that includes compensation for recorded songs and publishing rights.