Is TikTok losing all its music? UMG publishers situation explained

Is TikTok losing all its music? UMG publishers situation explained

TikTok users are expressing concern over the possibility that UMG – Universal Music Group – and several independent publishers may remove their music from the app. This could potentially result in videos being posted without sound from popular artists such as Taylor Swift. Here’s all the information we currently have on the situation.

When TikTok was initially launched in 2016, it joined forces with ByteDance’s Musical.ly, a short-form video app focused on dance routines, lip-syncing, and other methods for creators to display their talents.

Music has consistently played a significant role in videos, with both up-and-coming artists showcasing their original songs and established celebrities having their popular tracks featured in various capacities. Nevertheless, this aspect can give rise to complications.

UMG, also known as Universal Music Group, has recently removed their music from the popular short-form video app, TikTok. This decision was made after TikTok refused to increase the amount of payment that artists receive for their music being used on the platform. Additionally, several independent publishers have announced that they will no longer license their music to TikTok once their current contract expires on April 30.

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TikTok started losing music from UMG artists

As of January 31, TikTok’s license to use UMG’s music has expired. As a result, publishers have been taking down music or flagging TikTok videos that feature their songs.

Despite UMG’s decision to remove certain songs from their music library, this does not currently apply to fan edits. As long as a remix is credited to a fan, it will still be accessible, at least for the time being.

Any previously uploaded video featuring a song by a UMG artist, such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Harry Styles, and Billie Eilish – all of whom are among the most popular artists on TikTok – will be automatically muted.

Despite ongoing negotiations, UMG has accused TikTok of attempting to strong-arm them into accepting a less favorable deal. UMG claims that TikTok’s proposed deal is significantly lower than their previous agreement and does not accurately reflect the platform’s significant growth.

In response, TikTok has retaliated by asserting that UMG is prioritizing their own financial gain over the well-being of their artists and songwriters.

Independent publishers have no plans of renewing TikTok contract

After UMG withdrew their catalog artists, it seems that independent publishers are now queuing up to request the removal of their music from the platform.

On March 6, a report was released by Billboard stating that The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) issued a letter stating that they do not anticipate renewing or extending their licensing contract with TikTok.

“In a letter, the NMPA acknowledged concerns raised by the press regarding TikTok’s licensing practices, which have been directly expressed to them by numerous members.”

“The letter emphasized the significance of NMPA members understanding that TikTok should not be utilizing their musical works on its platform without a proper license in place.”

Currently, individuals who want to utilize a new contact can still do so after the contract has expired. However, for those who choose not to, the NMPA has legal advisors ready to assist in ensuring the removal of their artist’s music effective May 1st.

UMG Brings Music Back to TikTok: New Agreement Announced

On May 1, an announcement was made by UMG and TikTok that they had come to a new agreement. This agreement would result in UMG’s music being made available on the app for creators to use once again.

During the announcement, it was also disclosed that the music would be returning to TikTok and that the two companies would collaborate to explore innovative methods of monetizing the music for the mutual benefit of both platforms.

UMG and TikTok have also announced their commitment to safeguarding musicians and songwriters from the potential negative effects of AI technologies. Any AI-generated music that is not authorized will be promptly removed from the platform.

Currently, a date has not been established for the return of the UMG catalog on TikTok.

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