VEVO

Vevo is an American multinational video hosting service that specializes in music videos and related programming. It operates a network of channels and a flagship site that hosts official videos licensed from major record labels. Vevo’s content is produced by artists signed to its owner labels and their partners, and is distributed through its own platforms as well as through Vevo-branded channels on YouTube.

Ownership and history: Vevo was launched in 2009 as a joint venture formed by Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. The service was designed to provide a centralized home for official music videos at a time when video distribution was fragmented across the internet. Distribution on YouTube has been a central part of Vevo’s strategy, with Vevo-branded channels hosting many official videos.

Platform and content: Vevo offers high-quality video playback, artist pages, curated playlists, and video premieres. Its catalog includes music videos, live performances, and behind-the-scenes content, with a focus on official releases that are licensed from its partner labels. The service emphasizes rights management and accurate metadata to ensure proper licensing and attribution.

Revenue model and reach: Vevo’s primary revenue comes from advertising and licensing income generated from views across its platforms and partner channels. While the YouTube distribution channel remains a major delivery path, Vevo also operates through its own website and apps in various regions, aiming to provide a unified brand experience for official music video content.

Impact and status: Vevo helped to consolidate official music video content from major labels in an era of growing online video consumption. It remains a recognizable brand for official music videos, though distribution has increasingly diversified toward direct label channels and platform partnerships.