Taylor Swift, Drake songs to go off TikTok; here's why
Universal Music Group (UMG) has decided to stop licensing its artists' content on TikTok after failing to reach a new agreement with the social media platform. This means that music from big names like Taylor Swift, Adele, and Drake will no longer be available for use on TikTok. UMG has reportedly been pushing for better compensation for its artists and songwriters, protection against AI-generated music, and improved online safety for TikTok users.
Why does this story matter?
TikTok, which reportedly has 1.5B monthly users, allows its subscribers to use the music of record labels to enhance their videos on its application. The social media company is owned by Bytedance, a Chinese company. Much before Instagram Reels, social media users started creating short videos on TikTok that grabbed the attention of people across the globe. The platform is popular among celebrities, too.
UMG accused TikTok of paying artists less than other platforms
UMG accused TikTok of offering to pay its artists and songwriters much less than other major social platforms, despite TikTok's rapid growth. The music company also criticized TikTok's handling of "hate speech, bigotry, bullying, and harassment" on the platform. Universal alleged that TikTok tried to "bully" and "intimidate" them into accepting a less valuable deal by removing music from certain up-and-coming artists while keeping global stars.
UMG and its issues with AI-generated recordings
The removal of UMG's licensed music from TikTok will impact millions of songs by various artists, including recent hits like Olivia Rodrigo's Vampire and Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor. UMG also accused TikTok of allowing AI-generated recordings on its platform that undermine its artists. Last year, UMG forced TikTok and other social media platforms to remove an AI-generated song that imitated Drake and The Weeknd, alleging copyright infringement.
TikTok has refuted Universal's claims
TikTok denied UMG's claims, calling them "false" and expressing disappointment that the music company prioritized its own profits over the interests of its artists. TikTok argued that Universal chose to leave a platform with over a billion users that serves as a free promotional tool and discovery platform for their talent. It also highlighted that it was able to sign deals with other leading music labels.
