Merlin Cuts YouTube Deal

Independents’ global rights agency Merlin has finally agreed to a global licensing deal with YouTube.

Coming after a long negotiation, the agreement means acts on Merlin member labels including Ninja Tune, Cooking Vinyl, Warp, Phonofile, and !K7 will now receive income when their product is featured on the video-sharing website.

Merlin, the self-styled “fifth major,” has also wrapped a deal with Muve, a U.S.-based music service that offers unlimited downloads to phone.

Antony and the Johnsons, Aphex Twin, The Prodigy, Roots Manuva, Jamie Lidell, Grizzly Bear, Yeasayer, Suuns and Boards of Canada are among the acts to benefit.

Since commencing operations in May 2008, Merlin has struck deals with a number of digital services including Rdio, Spotify, MySpace Music, Catch Media, Simfy, and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity.