Spotify and Universal announced a new deal that sources say improves the payment structure for the streamer's controversial music-audiobooks 'bundle.'

The new publishing agreement establishes a direct license between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group.

Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a new, multi-year direct licensing pact that will cover the United States and several other companies, according to a Sunday release. "When we first presented our vision for the next stage in the evolution of music subscription several months ago -- Steaming 2.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's biggest music label, and Swedish streaming giant Spotify have reached a new multi-year agreement for recorded music and music publishing, they said on Sunday.

A joint statement said the two firms 'will collaborate closely to advance the next era of streaming innovation.'

Universal Music Group NV and Spotify Technology SA reached a new multiyear distribution agreement that includes compensation for recorded songs and publishing rights.