Apple Music Signs Exclusive Deal with Taylor Swift

taylor-swift.jpgApples new streaming service Apple Music has won exclusive rights to release a concert video of Taylor Swifts recent world tour for her multi-platinum album 1989. The singer has previously been critical of streaming services, notably removing her music from Apple Music rival Spotify.

In addition to the concert video, an interview discussing the video will air ahead of time on Beats 1, Apples radio station. Swift, who turned 26 on Sunday, tweeted the trailer for the concert video, saying “Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes. I have a little surprise for you.” The film itself will air on 20 December.

The deal could prove significant for getting a young audience to sign up for Apple Music, thanks to Swifts passionate fanbase, and given Apple Musics late entry to the streaming market, along with the tight competition for subscription fees, any advantage can be crucial.

Swift has proved an influential figure in the streaming world, using her celebrity to pressure tech firms to provide a better deal for artists. In June, she withdrew 1989 from Apple Music because the service was not playing royalties to artists during its initial three-month trial period. Apple quickly changed its policy, and the album returned shortly after.

British singer Adele has also taken a stand against streaming services, withholding her much-anticipated third album 25 from digital music services including Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer.