TikTok recently removed music from Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, from its platform due to a disagreement over new contract terms between the two parties.
This means that the soundtracks for users’ videos can no longer include music from a variety of artists, including popular names like Taylor Swift, Abba, and Harry Styles, as well as up-and-coming musicians. Fans have been expressing their disappointment on social media. Additionally, artists signed with UMG who use TikTok to showcase their music and connect with their fan base are now unable to share their own songs.
Previously, videos containing UMG music would result in different notifications, such as “this sound is no longer accessible” or “this music is currently not available.”
UMG recently published an open letter accusing TikTok of bullying and intimidation. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the platform’s compensation for artists and songwriters, despite its large and expanding user base, significant advertising revenue, and growing dependence on music-related content. The removal of content occurred following this letter.
TikTok stated that UMG had decided to discontinue their partnership with a highly popular platform that has a vast user base of over one billion, which serves as a free means of promoting and discovering their artists. No updates have been released by either party since the removal of content.
UMG’s rejection of a deal it deemed insufficient in supporting its artists may portray the company as a defender of artist earnings. However, there are concerns that this choice may exclude their artists from a significant cultural platform and weaken their promotional influence. For instance, popular dance challenges on TikTok featuring songs have aided in boosting the recognition of artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Victoria Monét.
Noah Kahan, currently at the top of the UK singles chart with his song “Stick Season,” took to TikTok to share his thoughts on the recent decision. With a worried look, he stated, “I am no longer able to promote my music on TikTok…but I should be fine, right? I’ll probably bounce back, right? Right?”
However, certain artists have discovered that utilizing TikTok can impede their creative process and have a detrimental effect on their approach to composing music. Metro Boomin, a prominent producer in the rap industry, expressed his thoughts on the matter in a post on X after the UMG open letter was released: “While I appreciate the creativity and support shown by the younger generation on TikTok, I am not a fan of the forced pandering from artists and labels that leads to the production of insipid and soulless songs.”
Source: theguardian.com
