Universal Music Group and TikTok have reached a new licensing agreement after a three-month dispute. Artists represented by UMG, such as Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish, will be returning to the platform. The details of the deal between the two parties are unclear, but Taylor Swift had some of her songs make a return to TikTok last month, even before the agreement was reached. UMG had previously stated that they had not agreed to terms with TikTok and planned to stop licensing content from their artists on the platform.
UMG had raised concerns about three key issues with TikTok, including appropriate compensation for artists and songwriters, protecting artists from the effects of AI, and online safety for users. TikTok refuted these claims by stating that they had reached agreements with other labels and publishers. However, the new agreement between UMG and TikTok promises significant benefits for UMG’s artists, songwriters, and labels. It will also see the return of UMG’s music to the platform, strengthening their collaboration.
The new deal includes UMG and TikTok exploring new monetization opportunities and working together on campaigns to support UMG’s artists globally. They will also focus on ensuring that AI development in the music industry protects human artistry and promotes fair payments for artists and songwriters. TikTok will work with UMG to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform and enhance artist and songwriter attribution. The platform is also investing in artist-centric tools to help UMG artists maximize their potential on TikTok.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed their commitment to driving value, discovery, and promotion for UMG’s artists and songwriters and strengthening their connection with the TikTok community. Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer and Executive Vice President of UMG, emphasized the advancements in commercial and marketing opportunities as well as protections for their roster on the platform. While the dispute between UMG and TikTok has been resolved, the future of the platform remains uncertain due to new legislation signed by President Biden requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell to an approved buyer within a year or face shutdown.
As UMG artists return to TikTok under the new agreement, both parties will be working together to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership. This includes finding new ways to monetize music on the platform, supporting global campaigns for UMG artists, and enhancing artist and songwriter attribution. The agreement also prioritizes the protection of human artistry in the face of AI development and focuses on fair payments for artists and songwriters. While TikTok continues to invest in artist-centric tools, the platform’s future remains uncertain due to the legislation requiring ByteDance to sell or shut down within a year.
