Universal Music Group To Pull Down Songs From TikTok Over Payment And AI Concerns
Universal Music Group, one of the world’s major music companies, has announced its failure to agree new deal with TikTok. The issues at stake involve artist compensation and artificial intelligence.
Universal Music Group (UMG) claims that TikTok attempted to pressure them into accepting a deal that undervalued their content compared to the previous agreement. Consequently, UMG has decided not to renew its licensing agreement with TikTok.
As of January 31, the existing agreement between UMG and TikTok is set to expire. UMG stated, “The companies have not agreed to terms for a new agreement, and upon expiration of the current agreement, Universal Music Group, including Universal Music Publishing Group, will cease licensing content to TikTok and TikTok Music services,” according to an official statement.
Noteworthy artistes under the Universal Music Group label include Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Sting, The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, SZA, Steve Lacy, Drake, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Adele, U2, Elton John, J Balvin, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, and Post Malone.
In response to UMG’s decision, TikTok issued a statement expressing disappointment. TikTok’s statement contends, “It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters. 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.”
TikTok emphasises its ability to establish ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. The statement concludes by asserting that Universal’s actions are self-serving and not aligned with the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.
Three years ago, in February 2021, UMG celebrated a global agreement with TikTok, emphasizing that it “delivers equitable compensation for recording artists and songwriters and significantly expands and enhances the companies’ existing relationship, promoting the development of new innovative experiences.”
However, on Tuesday, UMG took a different stance by posting an open letter titled “Why We Must Call Time Out on TikTok” addressed “to the artist and songwriter community.” In this letter, the music company described TikTok as “an increasingly influential platform with powerful technology and a massive worldwide user base.”
UMG stated that during contract renewal discussions with TikTok, they have been pressing on three critical issues: “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”
Read the full statement below:
