Verzuz, the online platform launched during the pandemic by Swizz BeatzandTimbaland, has struck a distribution partnership with Elon Musk’s X. The pair made the announcement during Cannes Lions conference in France on Wednesday.
Earlier in the year, Swizz and Timbaland reacquired Verzuz from their previous partner Triller and now own 100% of the platform, while retaining their equity (along with the artists who participated in Verzuz) in Triller, according to the announcement. Under the terms of the new deal, the pair maintain their full ownership and creative control of the platform while X receives exclusive distribution rights. The company estimates it will now broadcast to an audience of over 550 million active users, expanding its viewership and international reach. Viewers will now be able to watch for free exclusively on X.