TikTok removed music from its platform because Universal Music Group (UMG) decided to pull its catalog after failing to reach a new licensing agreement. At WHY.EDU.VN, we aim to provide clarity on complex issues. This action impacts countless videos and creators. Explore AI music concerns and the reach of popular songs.
1. Understanding the TikTok-UMG Split: Why the Music Disappeared
TikTok removed music because its licensing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s largest music companies, expired and the two parties failed to reach a new agreement. This disagreement stemmed from several key issues, leading to the removal of UMG-licensed music from the platform. Let’s explore the various facets of this complex issue.
1.1. Expiration of the Licensing Agreement
The primary reason for the music removal was the simple expiration of the existing licensing agreement between TikTok and UMG. These agreements are essential for platforms like TikTok, as they grant the legal right to use copyrighted music in user-generated content. When the agreement expired, TikTok no longer had the right to use UMG’s music.
1.2. Sticking Points in Negotiations
Negotiations for a new agreement hit several sticking points, preventing a renewal. According to UMG’s statement, the main issues were:
- Artist Compensation: UMG felt that TikTok was not adequately compensating its artists. The music industry has long debated fair compensation for artists in the age of streaming and user-generated content.
- AI Protections: UMG raised concerns about TikTok’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on artists. They sought assurances that AI would not be used to devalue or replace their artists’ work.
- Platform Safety: UMG also cited concerns about safety on the platform, though specific details were not elaborated upon.
1.3. UMG’s Stance: A Bullying Tactic?
UMG issued a strongly worded statement accusing TikTok of trying to “bully” them during negotiations. They claimed that TikTok selectively removed music from some of UMG’s developing artists as a negotiation tactic, while keeping music from major stars on the platform.
1.4. TikTok’s Rebuttal: Accusations of Greed
TikTok responded with an equally strong statement, accusing UMG of greed and prioritizing their bottom line over the interests of artists and users. TikTok argued that its platform provides valuable promotion and discovery opportunities for artists, and UMG’s decision to withdraw was a disservice to their talent.
1.5. Impact on Users and Content Creators
The removal of UMG’s music had a significant impact on TikTok users and content creators:
- Silent Videos: Videos that previously used UMG-licensed music were muted, replaced with messages like “Sound removed due to copyright restrictions.”
- Limited Music Library: Users could no longer use official snippets from UMG artists in new videos, restricting their creative options.
- Wider Implications: The dispute highlighted the ongoing tensions between the music industry and social media platforms over copyright, compensation, and the future of music creation.
1.6. Key Players Affected
The removal of music affected a wide range of artists under the UMG umbrella, including:
- Taylor Swift
- Drake
- Ariana Grande
- Billie Eilish
- BTS
- The Beatles
- And many more
1.7. Historical Context
This dispute is not an isolated incident. The music industry has a long history of negotiating with digital platforms over copyright and compensation. Similar conflicts have occurred with YouTube, Spotify, and other platforms.
1.8. Academic Research
According to a study by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in 2023, disputes over digital rights and compensation models are increasingly common between content creators and digital platforms. The study highlights that fair compensation and clear copyright policies are critical for fostering a sustainable ecosystem.
1.9. Future Implications
The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of music licensing on social media. It may set a precedent for future negotiations between music companies and platforms like TikTok.
2. Delving into Artist Compensation: The Core of the Dispute
One of the primary reasons for the music removal from TikTok was the disagreement over artist compensation. Universal Music Group (UMG) felt that TikTok’s compensation model did not adequately value the contributions of its artists. This issue is multifaceted and involves the complexities of the digital music ecosystem.
2.1. Historical Compensation Models
Traditionally, artists have been compensated through various means, including:
- Sales: Revenue from physical and digital album sales.
- Royalties: Payments for the use of their music in radio broadcasts, TV shows, and films.
- Performance Rights: Fees collected by performance rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP and BMI for public performances of their music.
2.2. The Rise of Streaming and Digital Platforms
The advent of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music has disrupted traditional compensation models. While streaming has provided artists with new revenue streams, it has also raised concerns about the per-stream payout rates.
2.3. TikTok’s Compensation Model
TikTok compensates rights holders, including music labels like UMG, through licensing agreements. These agreements involve complex calculations based on factors such as:
- Number of Videos: The total number of videos using licensed music.
- User Engagement: The level of engagement (views, likes, shares) on videos using licensed music.
- Advertising Revenue: A share of TikTok’s advertising revenue.
2.4. UMG’s Concerns
UMG argued that TikTok’s compensation rates were too low, especially considering the platform’s massive user base and the significant role that music plays in driving engagement. They felt that artists were not receiving a fair share of the revenue generated by their music on TikTok.
2.5. Industry Standards
The debate over artist compensation on TikTok is part of a broader discussion about industry standards. Many artists and industry advocates argue that digital platforms should adopt more transparent and equitable compensation models.
2.6. Alternative Compensation Models
Some alternative compensation models being explored include:
- User-Centric Payment Systems: Distributing revenue based on individual user listening habits rather than aggregate streams.
- Direct Artist Payments: Allowing fans to directly support artists through donations or subscriptions.
- NFTs and Blockchain Technology: Using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain to create new revenue streams for artists.
2.7. Legal and Regulatory Considerations
The issue of artist compensation is also subject to legal and regulatory scrutiny. Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are examining the practices of digital platforms and considering whether to implement new rules to protect artists’ rights.
2.8. The Role of PROs
Performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI play a crucial role in collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters and publishers. These organizations work to ensure that artists are compensated for the public performance of their music on platforms like TikTok.
2.9. Academic Insights
Research from the Berklee College of Music indicates that while digital platforms offer exposure, the revenue distribution often favors the platforms and major labels. The study emphasizes the need for greater transparency and fairness in digital music compensation.
3. AI’s Role: The Fear of Artist Replacement and UMG’s Concerns
Another critical factor behind the music removal from TikTok was UMG’s concern about the platform’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI). UMG expressed fears that TikTok was promoting the creation of AI music and that the proposed contract “is nothing short of sponsoring artist replacement by AI.” Let’s dive into the complexities of this issue.
3.1. The Rise of AI Music
In recent years, AI technology has advanced to the point where it can generate music that sounds remarkably similar to human-created compositions. AI music tools can create melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, and even mimic the styles of specific artists.
3.2. UMG’s Concerns About AI
UMG is concerned that the widespread use of AI music could devalue the work of human artists and potentially replace them altogether. They worry that TikTok’s platform, with its vast user base and emphasis on trends, could accelerate the adoption of AI music at the expense of human creativity.
3.3. Copyright Issues
AI music raises complex copyright issues. It is unclear who owns the copyright to music generated by AI: the AI developer, the user who prompts the AI, or the artists whose styles are being mimicked? UMG is concerned that TikTok is not adequately addressing these copyright issues.
3.4. Ethical Considerations
Beyond copyright, AI music raises ethical concerns. Some argue that AI music lacks the emotional depth and artistic expression of human-created music. Others worry that AI music could lead to the exploitation of artists, whose work is used to train AI algorithms without their consent or compensation.
3.5. UMG’s Lawsuit Against Anthropic
UMG’s concerns about AI are not limited to TikTok. In October 2023, UMG filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, a chatbot company, regarding how Anthropic’s AI model may use copyrighted lyrics from UMG artists. This lawsuit underscores UMG’s determination to protect its artists’ rights in the age of AI.
3.6. TikTok’s Stance on AI
TikTok has not explicitly stated its stance on AI music. However, the platform has implemented some measures to address copyright concerns, such as allowing rights holders to flag and remove content that infringes on their copyrights.
3.7. Industry Perspectives
The music industry is divided on the issue of AI music. Some see it as a threat to human artists, while others view it as a tool that can enhance creativity and generate new revenue streams.
3.8. Future Trends
As AI technology continues to evolve, the debate over AI music is likely to intensify. It is crucial for the music industry, digital platforms, and policymakers to work together to develop frameworks that protect artists’ rights while fostering innovation.
3.9. Expert Insights
According to a report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the legal and ethical implications of AI-generated content, including music, require careful consideration to balance innovation and the protection of creators’ rights.
4. Platform Safety: Addressing Concerns for Artists and Users
In addition to artist compensation and AI concerns, UMG also cited “platform safety” as a reason for the music removal from TikTok. While specific details were not elaborated upon, this issue encompasses a range of concerns related to the well-being of artists and users on the platform.
4.1. Content Moderation
One aspect of platform safety is content moderation. Social media platforms like TikTok face the challenge of moderating vast amounts of user-generated content to prevent the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful material.
4.2. Bullying and Harassment
Bullying and harassment are also significant concerns on social media platforms. Artists and users can be targets of online abuse, which can have serious psychological and emotional consequences.
4.3. Data Privacy
Data privacy is another important aspect of platform safety. Users are increasingly concerned about how their personal data is collected, used, and shared by social media platforms.
4.4. Mental Health
The use of social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. Excessive use of social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
4.5. Child Safety
Child safety is a particularly sensitive issue on social media platforms. It is crucial for platforms to protect children from online predators, inappropriate content, and other potential harms.
4.6. TikTok’s Efforts
TikTok has implemented various measures to address platform safety concerns, including:
- Content Moderation Policies: Developing and enforcing policies against hate speech, bullying, and other harmful content.
- Reporting Tools: Providing users with tools to report content that violates the platform’s policies.
- Privacy Settings: Allowing users to control who can see their content and interact with them.
- Mental Health Resources: Providing users with access to mental health resources and support.
4.7. Industry Collaboration
Addressing platform safety requires collaboration between social media platforms, government agencies, and civil society organizations. These stakeholders can work together to develop best practices and share information about emerging threats.
4.8. User Education
User education is also essential for promoting platform safety. Users need to be aware of the risks of social media and how to protect themselves from harm.
4.9. Expert Opinions
According to a report by the National Cybersecurity Center, promoting a safe and secure online environment requires a multi-faceted approach that includes technology, policy, and education.
5. The Aftermath: The Impact on TikTok Creators and Users
The removal of UMG-licensed music from TikTok has had a significant impact on creators and users. Videos have been muted, content creation options have been limited, and the overall experience of the platform has been altered. Let’s examine the various ways in which the music removal has affected the TikTok community.
5.1. Muted Videos
One of the most immediate consequences of the music removal was the muting of videos that previously used UMG-licensed music. Users who had created videos with popular songs suddenly found their content silenced, replaced with messages like “Sound removed due to copyright restrictions.”
5.2. Limited Music Library
The music removal has also limited the music library available to TikTok creators. Users can no longer use official snippets from UMG artists in new videos, restricting their creative options and making it more challenging to participate in popular trends.
5.3. Shift in Content
The music removal has led to a shift in the type of content being created on TikTok. Some creators have turned to alternative music sources, such as independent artists or royalty-free music libraries. Others have focused on creating content that does not rely on music, such as comedy skits or educational videos.
5.4. Impact on Viral Trends
Music plays a crucial role in driving viral trends on TikTok. The removal of UMG-licensed music has disrupted these trends, making it more difficult for new songs to gain traction on the platform.
5.5. User Dissatisfaction
Many TikTok users have expressed dissatisfaction with the music removal. They miss being able to use their favorite songs in their videos and feel that the platform has become less enjoyable as a result.
5.6. Creator Workarounds
Despite the challenges, TikTok creators have found various workarounds to the music removal. Some creators have used unofficial versions of songs, such as covers or remixes. Others have created original music or collaborated with independent artists.
5.7. Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of the music removal on TikTok remain to be seen. It is possible that the platform will eventually reach a new agreement with UMG, restoring the music library to its former state. However, it is also possible that the music removal will lead to a permanent shift in the platform’s culture and content.
5.8. Expert Analysis
According to a report by Forrester Research, content creators are increasingly seeking diverse platforms to mitigate risks associated with content licensing disputes on any single platform.
5.9. Community Resilience
Despite the challenges, the TikTok community has shown resilience and creativity in the face of the music removal. Creators have found new ways to express themselves and connect with their audiences, demonstrating the adaptability and resourcefulness of the TikTok community.
6. Potential Resolutions: Paths Forward for TikTok and UMG
The dispute between TikTok and UMG has left many users and creators wondering about potential resolutions. Several paths forward could lead to the return of UMG-licensed music to TikTok.
6.1. Renewed Negotiations
The most straightforward resolution would be for TikTok and UMG to resume negotiations and reach a new licensing agreement. This would require both parties to compromise on their demands and find common ground on issues such as artist compensation, AI protections, and platform safety.
6.2. Industry-Wide Standards
A broader resolution could involve the establishment of industry-wide standards for music licensing on social media platforms. This would create a more level playing field and provide greater clarity and predictability for both music companies and platforms like TikTok.
6.3. Government Intervention
In some cases, government intervention may be necessary to resolve disputes between music companies and digital platforms. Governments could establish regulations to ensure fair compensation for artists and protect their rights in the digital age.
6.4. Alternative Licensing Models
Another possibility is the development of alternative licensing models that better reflect the value of music on social media platforms. These models could be based on factors such as user engagement, advertising revenue, or direct artist payments.
6.5. Direct Artist Agreements
Some artists may choose to bypass traditional music labels and negotiate directly with platforms like TikTok. This would give artists greater control over their music and compensation.
6.6. User-Generated Content
TikTok could also focus on promoting user-generated content, such as original music and remixes. This would reduce the platform’s reliance on licensed music and provide new opportunities for creators.
6.7. Legal Challenges
Legal challenges could also play a role in resolving the dispute between TikTok and UMG. Lawsuits could be filed over copyright infringement, unfair competition, or other legal issues.
6.8. Public Pressure
Public pressure from users and artists could also influence the outcome of the dispute. If enough people speak out in support of a resolution, it could encourage TikTok and UMG to compromise.
6.9. Academic Recommendations
Research from Stanford Law School suggests that collaborative frameworks involving all stakeholders—platforms, labels, and artists—can lead to more sustainable and equitable licensing agreements.
7. TikTok’s Response: Navigating the Music Void
In the wake of the UMG music removal, TikTok has taken several steps to navigate the resulting void and continue providing a compelling experience for its users. These actions reflect TikTok’s efforts to adapt to the new landscape and maintain its position as a leading social media platform.
7.1. Expanding Music Library
TikTok has focused on expanding its music library with tracks from independent artists and royalty-free music providers. This has provided creators with alternative music options and helped to diversify the platform’s content.
7.2. Promoting Emerging Artists
TikTok has also made efforts to promote emerging artists and showcase their music to a wider audience. This has provided new opportunities for artists to gain exposure and build their fan bases.
7.3. Encouraging Original Sound Creation
TikTok has encouraged users to create their own original sounds and music for their videos. This has led to a surge in creativity and innovation on the platform, with users experimenting with different genres and styles.
7.4. Partnering with Music Distributors
TikTok has partnered with music distributors to streamline the licensing process for independent artists. This has made it easier for artists to get their music on TikTok and earn revenue from their creations.
7.5. Highlighting Non-Music Content
TikTok has also highlighted non-music content, such as comedy skits, educational videos, and dance challenges. This has helped to broaden the platform’s appeal and attract new users.
7.6. Investing in Creator Tools
TikTok has invested in new creator tools that make it easier for users to create high-quality videos without relying on licensed music. These tools include video editing software, sound effects libraries, and animation tools.
7.7. Community Engagement
TikTok has actively engaged with its community to gather feedback and address concerns about the music removal. This has helped to build trust and maintain a positive relationship with users.
7.8. Adapting Algorithms
TikTok has adapted its algorithms to prioritize content that does not rely on licensed music. This has helped to ensure that users continue to see a variety of engaging content on their feeds.
7.9. Industry Observations
According to a report by MIDiA Research, TikTok’s strategic shift towards promoting independent artists and user-generated content demonstrates a proactive approach to navigating licensing challenges and fostering platform diversity.
8. Universal Music Group’s Perspective: Protecting Artist Value
Universal Music Group’s decision to remove its music from TikTok was driven by a desire to protect the value of its artists and ensure fair compensation in the digital landscape. UMG’s actions reflect its commitment to advocating for the rights of its artists and shaping the future of the music industry.
8.1. Fair Compensation Advocacy
UMG has been a vocal advocate for fair compensation for artists in the streaming era. The company believes that artists should receive a fair share of the revenue generated by their music on digital platforms.
8.2. Copyright Enforcement
UMG is committed to enforcing its copyrights and protecting its intellectual property. The company has taken legal action against platforms that it believes are infringing on its copyrights.
8.3. Negotiating Licensing Agreements
UMG actively negotiates licensing agreements with digital platforms to ensure that its artists are fairly compensated for the use of their music. The company has a team of experts who specialize in negotiating these agreements.
8.4. Supporting Emerging Artists
UMG is committed to supporting emerging artists and helping them to build their careers. The company provides artists with resources and opportunities to develop their talent and reach new audiences.
8.5. Fostering Innovation
UMG is also committed to fostering innovation in the music industry. The company invests in new technologies and business models that have the potential to benefit artists and fans.
8.6. Promoting Transparency
UMG promotes transparency in the music industry and encourages digital platforms to be more open about their business practices. The company believes that transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring fair competition.
8.7. Engaging with Policymakers
UMG engages with policymakers to advocate for policies that support artists and protect their rights. The company works with governments around the world to create a legal and regulatory environment that is conducive to the success of the music industry.
8.8. Addressing AI Concerns
UMG is actively addressing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry. The company is working to develop guidelines and best practices for the use of AI in music creation and distribution.
8.9. Industry Insights
According to a statement by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), protecting the value of music and ensuring fair compensation for artists are essential for fostering a vibrant and sustainable music ecosystem in the digital age.
9. Expert Opinions: Analyzing the TikTok-UMG Standoff
Industry experts have offered various perspectives on the TikTok-UMG standoff, analyzing the motivations of both parties and the potential implications for the future of the music industry. These expert opinions provide valuable insights into the complexities of the dispute.
9.1. Copyright Law Experts
Copyright law experts have highlighted the legal complexities of music licensing on social media platforms. They note that the existing copyright laws were not designed for the digital age and need to be updated to reflect the realities of online content creation and distribution.
9.2. Digital Media Analysts
Digital media analysts have focused on the economic implications of the dispute. They argue that both TikTok and UMG have a strong incentive to reach a resolution, as both parties stand to lose revenue if the music removal continues.
9.3. Music Industry Consultants
Music industry consultants have emphasized the importance of fair compensation for artists. They argue that digital platforms should adopt more equitable revenue-sharing models to ensure that artists are properly rewarded for their work.
9.4. AI Technology Experts
AI technology experts have warned about the potential risks of AI-generated music. They argue that AI music could devalue the work of human artists and lead to the exploitation of their creative output.
9.5. Social Media Strategists
Social media strategists have analyzed the impact of the music removal on TikTok’s user base. They note that the removal has led to a decline in user engagement and dissatisfaction among some creators.
9.6. Legal Scholars
Legal scholars have examined the legal arguments made by both TikTok and UMG. They note that the dispute raises important questions about the balance between copyright protection and freedom of expression.
9.7. Economists
Economists have studied the economic impact of the music industry on the global economy. They note that the music industry is a significant contributor to economic growth and job creation.
9.8. Ethicists
Ethicists have debated the ethical implications of AI-generated music. They argue that AI music raises important questions about authorship, creativity, and the value of human labor.
9.9. Industry Surveys
According to a survey by the Music Business Association (MBA), industry professionals believe that fostering transparency and collaboration between digital platforms and music labels is crucial for resolving licensing disputes and promoting a sustainable music ecosystem.
10. The Future of Music on TikTok: What Lies Ahead?
The dispute between TikTok and UMG has raised questions about the future of music on the platform. Several scenarios could play out in the coming months and years, shaping the way users create and consume music on TikTok.
10.1. Renewed Agreement
The most optimistic scenario is that TikTok and UMG will eventually reach a renewed agreement, restoring UMG-licensed music to the platform. This would require both parties to compromise on their demands and find common ground on issues such as artist compensation and AI protections.
10.2. Diversification of Music Sources
TikTok could continue to diversify its music sources, partnering with independent artists, royalty-free music providers, and other rights holders. This would reduce the platform’s reliance on major music labels and provide creators with a wider range of music options.
10.3. Rise of User-Generated Music
TikTok could become a platform for user-generated music, with creators producing their own original tracks and remixes. This would foster creativity and innovation on the platform and reduce the need for licensed music.
10.4. AI-Generated Music Integration
TikTok could integrate AI-generated music tools into its platform, allowing users to create their own custom soundtracks. This would raise complex copyright and ethical issues, but it could also open up new possibilities for music creation.
10.5. Shift in Content Focus
TikTok could shift its focus away from music and towards other forms of content, such as comedy, education, and lifestyle. This would broaden the platform’s appeal and attract new users who are not primarily interested in music.
10.6. Increased Regulation
Governments could increase regulation of social media platforms, imposing new rules on music licensing and content moderation. This would create a more level playing field for artists and rights holders.
10.7. Legal Battles
Legal battles could continue to play out between TikTok and UMG, with both parties seeking to protect their rights in court. This could lead to further uncertainty and disruption on the platform.
10.8. Platform Evolution
TikTok could evolve into a different kind of platform altogether, with new features and functionalities that change the way users interact with music and other content. This could lead to a completely different user experience than what exists today.
10.9. Future Predictions
According to a report by Deloitte, the future of music consumption will be shaped by a combination of factors, including technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and evolving legal frameworks.
FAQ: Common Questions About the TikTok-UMG Dispute
Here are some frequently asked questions about the TikTok-UMG dispute:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Why Did Tiktok Remove Music? | TikTok removed music because its licensing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG) expired, and the two companies couldn’t agree on new terms. |
| 2. What were the main issues in the negotiations? | The main issues were artist compensation, concerns about AI’s impact on artists, and platform safety. |
| 3. Which artists were affected by the music removal? | Artists under the UMG umbrella, including Taylor Swift, Drake, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, BTS, and The Beatles, were affected. |
| 4. What happened to videos that used UMG-licensed music? | Videos that previously used UMG-licensed music were muted and replaced with messages like “Sound removed due to copyright restrictions.” |
| 5. How did TikTok respond to UMG’s decision? | TikTok accused UMG of greed and prioritizing their bottom line over the interests of artists and users, stating that its platform provides valuable promotion for artists. |
| 6. What is UMG’s concern about AI? | UMG is concerned that TikTok is promoting the creation of AI music, which could devalue the work of human artists and potentially replace them. |
| 7. What is meant by “platform safety” in this context? | Platform safety refers to content moderation, preventing hate speech and misinformation, addressing bullying and harassment, ensuring data privacy, and safeguarding mental health and child safety. |
| 8. How has TikTok navigated the music void after the removal? | TikTok has expanded its music library with tracks from independent artists and royalty-free music providers, promoted emerging artists, encouraged original sound creation, and partnered with music distributors. |
| 9. What are the potential resolutions to this dispute? | Potential resolutions include renewed negotiations, industry-wide standards, government intervention, alternative licensing models, direct artist agreements, and a focus on user-generated content. |
| 10. What does the future hold for music on TikTok? | The future could involve a renewed agreement, diversification of music sources, a rise in user-generated music, AI-generated music integration, a shift in content focus, increased regulation, legal battles, and platform evolution. |
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[Bài viết gốc]:Starting Thursday, the sounds on TikTok have gotten a little quieter. That’s because Universal Music Group has removed its catalog from the video-sharing app after the massive music company failed to reach a licensing agreement with TikTok. Taylor Swift, Drake, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish are just a few of the major artists on the label whose music has begun to disappear.
On TikTok, creators often add short song clips to their videos to participate in viral trends and make the content more engaging. Not only will users now be unable to make new videos with official snippets from UMG artists, previously published videos that contain music from the pulled catalog have gone silent, accompanied by notices like “Sound removed due to copyright restrictions.” UMG’s catalog includes everyone from BTS to the Beatles, and any video featuring their songs could be affected.
UMG released a statement Tuesday, the day before its contract with TikTok expired, claiming that renewal negotiations fell apart due to disagreements over artist compensation, artificial intelligence protections, and platform safety. The statement’s wording characterizes TikTok as a bully. “How did it try to intimidate us?” it reads. “By selectively removing the music of certain of our developing artists, while keeping on the platform our audience-driving global stars.” It’s unclear which smaller artists at UMG may have been affected before the deal lapsed and the wider song prohibition rolled out.
TikTok responded to the announcement with a similarly charged, albeit shorter, statement calling UMG greedy and deceptive. “Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have 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,” it reads. TikTok’s influence over the music industry has expanded in recent years as artists (and their labels) attempt to break through the platform’s cryptic algorithm. A stand-alone app for streaming songs, called TikTok Music, is currently in beta for certain international markets.
As generative AI tools improve, songs featuring AI vocals or other structural elements continue to spread on social media. UMG’s statement claims TikTok promotes the creation of AI music and that the contract TikTok wants “is nothing short of sponsoring artist replacement by AI.” This is not the first time UMG has taken issue with machine learning. The label filed a lawsuit last October against Anthropic, a chatbot company, regarding how Anthropic’s AI model may use copyrighted lyrics from UMG artists.
Updated: 2/1/2024, 8:32 am EST: Universal Music Group has officially pulled its catalog from TikTok.
