TikTok and Universal Music Group Strike Licensing Deal, Artists’ Songs to Return

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TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced a new licensing agreement that will bring back the music libraries of all UMG artists to the popular social media platform. This agreement encompasses a wide array of artists, including global superstars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Ariana Grande, and Adele.

According to a representative for TikTok, the return of UMG artists’ libraries to the platform is expected within the next two weeks. Additionally, previously muted videos featuring songs from UMG artists will be unmuted during this process.

The new licensing deal aims to provide improved compensation for UMG’s songwriters and artists, along with offering new promotional and engagement opportunities for their music on TikTok. It also includes the implementation of new tools on TikTok to enhance artists’ monetization opportunities and strengthen online safety protections for both artists and fans.

This development follows a recent dispute between TikTok and UMG over the terms of their previous licensing agreement, which expired in February. The disagreement led to TikTok removing UMG’s song library from its platform, citing issues related to fair compensation for artists’ work.

UMG Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, expressed optimism about the new partnership, emphasizing its focus on the value of music and the welfare of the creative community. TikTok CEO Shou Chew echoed these sentiments, highlighting the platform’s commitment to promoting UMG’s artists and songwriters and deepening their engagement with the TikTok community.

The announcement of the licensing deal comes amidst TikTok’s ongoing conflicts with the United States government, including concerns over its ownership and control. President Joe Biden recently signed a bill that could potentially ban TikTok domestically if its parent company, ByteDance, fails to comply with certain regulations regarding control over the platform’s algorithm and ownership.

As TikTok navigates these challenges, its collaboration with UMG signals a significant step forward in its efforts to foster positive relationships with the music industry and continue providing a vibrant platform for artists and creators worldwide.