Media platform Verzuz, founded by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, has secured a distribution partnership with Elon Musk's X. The news was announced by Beatz and Timbaland during an activation in Cannes, France today (June 19).
Under the terms of the new partnership, the Verzuz co-founders retain full 100% ownership and creative control of the platform, while X has exclusive distribution rights. Now viewers will be able to watch the live streaming series for free through X, which reaches an audience of over 550 million active users.
Earlier this year, Beatz and Timbaland reacquired the Verzuz platform from their previous partner Triller. At the same time, the pair retained equity – along with the artists involved in Verzuz – in Triller.
In a statement announcing the X alliance, Beatz said: “We are very excited to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz at X, we're excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yacarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in Verzuz's vision. We can't wait to get to work.”
“We are thrilled to partner with X, the world's most innovative platform,” commented Timbaland. “Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world, which we can now make bigger than ever.”
Added X CEO Yaccarino, “X is so proud to partner with top creators, artists and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. Our platform is at the forefront of innovation and Verzuz defines the essence of an innovative content experience. As we continue to work with the most exciting voices to bring premium content to X, there's no better fit than this series. Together we will redefine the way consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”
The last sing-off presented by Verzuz, of which he is president Steve Pamonwas among R&B stars Omarion and Mario in Los Angeles in the summer of 2022. Also, the battle had a pre-show with Ray J, Bobby V, Pleasure P and Sammy. over 5.1 million total viewers on Instagram, Fite TV, Triller, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.
As part of its collaboration with Uncontained Media, led by Christian Sarabia and Raymond GarciaVerzuz has also produced such shows as the Emmy Award-winning Ride with Swizz Beatz. Uncontained Media will be the production company and executive producers of Verzuz.
