UMG Announces Exit as Your Favorite New Music Leaves TikTok
TikTok users will no longer be able to post videos with music from popular artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Adele due to a disagreement between the platform and UMG, the artists’ label.
In a bold open letter, Universal Music Group declared its decision not to renew a contract set to expire on Wednesday, which would have licensed its content to TikTok.
Universal Music Group's agreement with TikTok has not been renewed
— TruthInBytes (@bytesintruth) January 31, 2024
Therefore, thousands of popular songs are set to be removed
Oh no, what are the Swifties gonna do~ pic.twitter.com/AOvujePcWf
The music label accused TikTok of using “bullying” and “intimidation” tactics during payment negotiations, stating that the platform showed an unwillingness to agree on market-rate terms.
Responding, TikTok accused Universal of prioritizing “greed over the welfare of their artists and songwriters.”
The platform argued that Universal had “chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.”
Universal music Group pulling its music from TikTok is a HUGE opportunity for independent artists.
— Ryan Bronson (@iam_RyanBronson) January 31, 2024
TikTok is the engine that drives modern hit records.
Independent artists: be heavy on content before the label bends and realizes they messed up
During talks with TikTok, Universal focused on three main aspects: payment for artists and songwriters, and the impact of AI. It also asked for ensuring online safety for TikTok users.
Unfortunately, these discussions did not result in an agreement. Moreover, this ultimately led to the upcoming removal of all Universal-licensed music from TikTok.
Universal emphasized that TikTok’s success is significantly tied to the music created by its artists and songwriters.
what is universal music exactly trying to accomplish by removing the majority of artists songs on tiktok?? part of it was for exploring new music and to create and express through music. but now we can’t do that can we
— mila (@JVOSEAVEY) January 31, 2024
The music label accused TikTok of proposing payment rates to artists that are “a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.”
Universal Music Group represents several notable musicians, including Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, SZA, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande.
The company, headquartered in the Netherlands, has a vast catalog spanning over a century featuring brands like “Def Jam Recordings” and “Abbey Road Studios,” with music from Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, and Bob Dylan.
Our core mission is simple: to help our artists & songwriters attain their greatest creative and commercial potential, which is why we must call time out on TikTok.
— Universal Music Group (@UMG) January 31, 2024
Learn More: https://t.co/yJDQ7FdgNc pic.twitter.com/Lhluz1ez5H
TikTok argued that it successfully negotiated similar deals with other music labels. Furthermore, it even sealed a “multi-year, multi-product deal” with the Warner Music Group in July.
On the flip side, Universal maintained that TikTok did not provide solutions for tackling issues like hate speech and AI-generated content on the platform. Acknowledging concerns about the potential replacement of human artists by AI, Universal clarified its stance by expressing a willingness to embrace AI’s capabilities.
They emphasized the importance of finding a balance that ensures fair protection for artists’ rights in this evolving landscape.
not to be dramatic but i seriously do not see UMG sticking to their removal from tiktok. the app is so good for creating earworms that turn into streaming that turn into fans.
— meara (@mearamcnitt) February 1, 2024
Recognizing how this affects music fans, Universal stressed its main duty to secure a new agreement for fair artist compensation.
They highlighted the need to negotiate this agreement on a platform that values creativity, ensures a safe user environment, in addition to effective moderation.
