Universal Music Group and TikTok have reached a new licensing agreement that allows music from UMG artists to be used on the platform once again. Artists like SZA, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande will now have their music available for use as TikTok audio. This agreement also includes unmuting existing TikTok videos that were previously muted due to featuring songs from the UMG catalog. UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge stated that this agreement emphasizes the value of music, human artistry, and the well-being of the creative community. The dispute between TikTok and UMG began in February when UMG accused TikTok of not compensating artists fairly and not doing enough to protect them from AI.
The platform of TikTok has become a critical tool for musicians to promote their work and has also become a venue for creative experimentation and community building. With this new agreement, UMG artists and songwriters will have the opportunity to reach their full creative and commercial potential on TikTok. The partnership will allow users to create videos using music by their favorite artists and discover new music by various artists and songwriters. Additionally, TikTok and UMG will work closely on artist campaigns and provide new opportunities for artists to generate revenue on the platform. The deal includes protections with respect to generative AI, ensuring the removal of AI-generated music and strengthening artist and songwriter attribution.
While the agreement between TikTok and UMG is a significant breakthrough, TikTok is still facing challenges, particularly in the US. President Joe Biden signed a bill on April 24 that could potentially result in TikTok being banned in the US due to concerns about its China-linked parent company ByteDance posing a threat to national security. Despite this potential threat, US-based TikTok users currently have access to the platform and the UMG library. TikTok continues to fight to prove itself in the face of these challenges and uncertainties. The agreement between UMG and TikTok marks a positive step forward for both parties, but TikTok’s battle to establish itself in the US market and beyond is ongoing.
In conclusion, the new licensing agreement between Universal Music Group and TikTok signals a positive development for artists, songwriters, and TikTok users. The agreement allows UMG artists’ music to be used on the platform, creating new opportunities for promotion and revenue generation. While this agreement showcases the value of music and human artistry, TikTok continues to face challenges, including the potential ban in the US. Despite these challenges, the partnership between UMG and TikTok brings new possibilities for creativity and collaboration on the platform, benefiting both artists and users alike.
