The popular social media platform TikTok recently received a brusque warning from Universal Music Group (UMG). This leads to UMG’s intention to take down all songs from TikTok. People like and seem to enjoy TikTok. However, it seems the music will be completely deleted from the platform. The decision was taken after negotiations between the two parties to reach an agreement on music rights fees and payments made to artists did not succeed. Below is a clarification on why UMG removed music from TikTok. Moreover, what their letter reveals. Let’s take a look at more details:
Why UMG Removed Music from TikTok?
TikTok is a super popular and rich social media site. It makes a lot of money from ads and its online store. One big reason why so many people love TikTok is because of the music. People can use famous songs to make their videos cool and fun. This makes TikTok a favourite for millions of creators around the world. UMG removed music from TikTok will mean people can no longer use their music on this platform.
UMG (Universal Music Group) says its music is important for TikTok to work well. They think if TikTok doesn’t pay to use their songs, it will make TikTok less interesting. UMG also thinks musicians don’t get enough money for their music on TikTok. Even though songs on TikTok get hundreds of millions of views and are used in many videos worldwide, the money artists get is not much. UMG mentioned in a letter that less than 1% of their money comes from TikTok. The reason for UMG to pulled songs from TikTok seems appropriate.
Contract of UMG with TikTok
On February 8, 2021, UMG shared news about a new deal with TikTok. This agreement let TikTok use many songs from UMG’s music collection. In July of the same year, WMG (Warner Music Group) also made long-term deals with TikTok. This allowed TikTok to use WMG’s music not just on the main app but also on CapCut and a new thing called ‘TikTok Music,’ which works like a social streaming platform.
TikTok Music is available in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Mexico. When this deal became public, they mentioned Kyncl, the chairman and CEO at Wsinland. Universal Music Group will no longer let TikTok use its music. This means famous artists like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles won’t be able to use their songs on TikTok. The agreement between the two companies will end today, and all UMG music on TikTok will be removed.
UMG says TikTok pays artists much less compared to other social media platforms. UMG removed music from TikTok becoming more serious than ever.
Taylor Swift and BTS’ Music Have Left TikTok
In an open letter, UMG claims: As we kept talking, TikTok tried to force us into agreeing to a deal worth less than before, much less than what’s fair, and didn’t match their big growth. They tried to intimidate us by taking down the music of some of our up-and-coming artists, but they kept the songs of our popular global stars on the platform. UMG threatens TikTok seriously.
Taking the catalogue away from UMG would harm all the music they distribute and manage through their recorded music division and Universal Music Publishing Group. The company has famous artists like Taylor Swift, BTS, Drake, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, and Eminem. It also includes Nicki Minaj, Karol G, and Post Malone.
Meanwhile, TikTok expressed disappointment in a statement sent to Billboard. “It is sad and disappointing that we have seen Universal Music Group putting their greed before the interests of their artists.” It will lead to UMG contract expiry with TikTok.
TikTok deals with music rights and AI
Universal Music Group (UMG) is concerned about TikTok because TikTok is using artificial intelligence (AI) to create music. TikTok is testing how well this AI music feature works. They are introducing a new feature called “AI Song,” allowing users to make songs using prompts or suggestions. It is one of the biggest reasons why UMG removed music from TikTok.
UMG is upset with TikTok, claiming that the platform is giving special treatment to artists who use AI prompts. UMG argues that TikTok is changing the future of music by favoring these AI-generated songs. In response, UMG defends itself by saying that TikTok inconsistently allows the release of many AI-generated tracks. Therefore, UMG removed music from TikTok.
The disagreement between UMG and TikTok is part of a larger gap between platforms that create or organize content. TikTok says it’s a platform for promotion and discovery, but UMG’s actions suggest otherwise. This time, they seem to prioritize profits over supporting art and songwriting. The conflict highlights ongoing debates about how entertainment industry should compensate the artists. It also reflects the changing relationships between innovative technologies and creativity in the lives of artists.
The end date of their deal is approaching. UMG removed music from TikTok and this thing has become a bigger controversy than ever. The clash between the music company and the social media platform shows their difficulties. This will impact artists and people who work for organizations. The conflict might not only impact music streaming services but also have big effects on how artists and musicians get rewards in the future in the digital world.
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FAQs
Why did UMG removed music from TikTok?
UMG is upset with TikTok because it pays artists less than other social media platforms. TikTok plans to determine the value of using music on its app. However, this may mean some songs won’t be available.
Is there a copyright issue between UMG and TikTok?
When it comes to using songs on TikTok, there’s a catch. TikTok has a collection of music and sounds you can use. However, using a song you didn’t create might break copyright rules.
Which artists are under UMG?
Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Sting, BTS, Seventeen, The Weekend, Alicia Keys, SZA, Justin Bieber, and Drake are under UMG. When UMG removed music from TikTok it disappointed many users of tiktok as they can’t use their favourite artist’s song anymore.
When will UMG music be back on TikTok?
UMG music will be back on the tiktok only if both parties negotiate and UMG renew its license with TikTok. In response to UMG’s action, TikTok called it a disappointment that UMG have put money before the interests of its artists.
Conclusion
TikTok is a platform where people create and share videos. Sometimes, users include popular songs in their videos. However, some music companies, like UMG, also worry about how TikTok uses their songs. UMG is concerned about how much they pay artists, the rules about technology, and keeping the internet secure. Is UMG removing music from TikTok a good move? Let us see how the big industry giants solve this problem!
