So far, we have done a poor job of explaining why we archive to audio over VODs (video-on-demand). In fact, we’ve not really explained it at all. So here goes...
Short version: Mixcloud does not offer VODs because there is no legal way to do so without breaking our core principle.
Now the long version:
Everything Mixcloud offers is underpinned by a unique and comprehensive music copyright management system.
Central to this system is a network of licenses from publishers, labels and other organizations. These licenses are blanket (i.e they cover a whole repertoire of songs) and have taken many years to negotiate.
But, a blanket license for VOD does not exist.
So that means we’d have to negotiate a license (specifically a synchronization license) for every song used in every archived live stream, and this would run into the millions.
So if we implemented VODs we would have to do so without the copyrights cleared, and we won’t do that.
Firstly, Mixcloud is a safe space for music lovers to play and share any music. We don’t want the content takedown troubles that plague Twitch or Facebook to ever exist on Mixcloud.
And secondly, that artists who get played should get paid.
Music Creators on Twitch are treated like third-class users. But Mixcloud is built for music and working towards a sustainable and ethical ecosystem for music lovers. And every day you use Mixcloud, you are helping us with that mission.
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