June 27, 2024

VERZUZ Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal With Elon Musk’s X

Verzuz, the multimedia platform co-founded by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, announced a new distribution deal with Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter).

Episodes will stream for free exclusively on X, while VERZUZ maintains full ownership and creative control.

VERZUZ comes to X

This partnership follows Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s reacquisition of VERZUZ from Triller after a lawsuit over $28 million in unpaid fees.

Despite legal issues, the founders kept their equity in Triller and retained the artists who participated in VERZUZ.

Swizz Beatz expressed excitement about the partnership: “We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for VERZUZ. We’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world.”

Timbaland added, “Our goal has always been to bring VERZUZ to the world, which we can now do bigger than ever.”

The announcement prompted criticism from fans who accused the producers of selling out. However, Swizz took to social media to reassure followers that VERZUZ remains “100% Black owned.”

Boosting Viral Conversations

Previously streamed on Instagram Live and Apple Music, VERZUZ attracted millions of viewers and sparked discussions on Twitter, now known as X.

The last VERZUZ event, featuring R&B stars Omarion and Mario, was presented by VERZUZ President Steve Pamon in 2022.

It drew over five million viewers across Instagram, Fite TV, Triller, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch.

The new deal with X aims to enhance distribution and viewer engagement.

“X is proud to partner with trailblazing creators Swizz Beatz and Timbaland,” said X CEO Linda Yaccarino. “Together we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one VERZUZ at a time.”

Uncontained Media, led by Christian Sarabia and Raymond Garcia, will serve as the production company and Executive Producers of VERZUZ.


Image credit: Director X

Samara Linton

Community Manager at POCIT | Co-editor of The Colour of Madness: Mental Health and Race in Technicolour (2022), and co-author of Diane Abbott: The Authorised Biography (2020)