Songs Published by UMG Being Removed on TikTok

The original dispute intended to remove of recordings owned or distributed by Universal Musical Group (UMG). Now, the company is including recordings published by the company.

The initial standoff began last month, as UMG failed to reach a deal with the parent company of TikTok, ByteDance. Having yet to agree about royalties, TikTok had to take swift action and ensure that all songs on the platform that were owned or distributed by UMG were removed by January 31.

Excited to embark on this new journey with @MAVINRECORDS! https://t.co/Rkn21Tifrp

— Universal Music Group (@UMG) February 26, 2024

With the removal of songs, it is estimated 30% of what TikTok claims to be “popular” songs could be lost on the platform.

Despite the uproar over UMG removing a vast majority of music and sounds users can no longer incorporate into their videos, they recently began a new partnership with Mavin Records.

The partnership will help showcase African talent globally by recognizing the collective music, talent, hard work, and innovation their artists and staff have shown.

While the partnership is a great step forward in discovering more artists from diverse backgrounds, TikTok users are still upset over the vast removal of songs that have resulted in their videos being muted.

The main culprit for silenced videos is split copyright. If UMG has attributed to an artist’s song in any way, shape, or form, then TikTok legally must remove it from its platform.

Many have been affected by the forced removal of their music from popular social media sites, such as SZA, Drake, Ice Spice, Justin Bieber, and Harry Styles.

Some fans have resulted in comedic measures from such trying times by singing the removed songs, which caught the eye of some artists whose music was removed.

Several artists decided to pitch in on the trend and recreate the songs with acapella and dance versions.

&Team making their own sound now cuz UMG removing their songs out of tiktok ENHYPEN when pic.twitter.com/Am6X0ISHoW

— ‎tashi (@en_tashii) February 27, 2024

As for now, there has not been a retraction in statements from either side over the removal of songs or if they will ever appear again on TikTok.

“It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.” Representatives from TikTok stated.

Users can now only hope an agreement is coming in the future months, but until then, they might have to start making their music to feature in their videos.