New York - Major record label Universal Music Group has instituted a new policy whereby streaming of songs from Universal artists will be limited to 90-second clips on sites that have not secured a deal that compensates the company for every full-song stream, Billboard reports.

Some full-song streaming will be allowed, albeit with promotional voice-over messages.

The new policy was unearthed when Universal recording artist Colbie Caillat told fans via her MySpace page that Universal made her swap out full songs available on the page for 90-second clips.

Universal is apparently concerned that full-song streams -- on MySpace and other sites where no compensation is made -- could replace actual sales.

"It goes from in the beginning being promotional, to becoming substitutional when it becomes large numbers," a source close to the situation told Billboard.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1un0a (Billboard)

http://www.myspace.com/colbiecaillat