Multimedia platform Verzuz, co-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 maintain their full 100% ownership and creative control of the platform, while X has exclusive distribution rights. Now viewers will be able to watch the livestream series for free through X, which reaches an audience of more than 550 million active users.
Earlier this year, Beatz and Timbaland reacquired the Verzuz platform from previous partner Triller. At the same time, the pair retained their equity — along with the artists who participated in Verzuz — in Triller.
In a release announcing the X alliance, Beatz said, “We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision. We can’t wait to get to work.”
“We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally,” commented Timbaland. “Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world, which we can now do bigger than ever.”
Added X CEO Yaccarino, “X is so proud to partner with trailblazing creators, artists and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. Our platform stands 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 is no better fit than this series. Together we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”
The last sing-off presented by Verzuz, whose president is Steve Pamon, was between R&B stars Omarion and Mario in Los Angeles in summer 2022. Also featuring a pre-show with Ray J, Bobby V, Pleasure P and Sammy, the battle drew over 5.1 million total viewers across Instagram, Fite TV, Triller, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.
Under its partnership with Uncontained Media, headed by Christian Sarabia and Raymond Garcia, Verzuz has also produced such shows as the Emmy-winning Drive with Swizz Beatz. Uncontained Media will serve as the production company and executive producers of Verzuz.
