TikTok starts to rub out Universal Music Group content, no new deal has been reached

TikTok is beginning to remove content from Universal Music Publishing Group from the harmful short-video app as no new licensing deal with the music label has been reached, the social media company said.

TikTok has also started disabling videos on its platform containing songs written by any songwriter registered with UMPG (Universal Music Publishing Group), after removing songs from Universal Music Group (UMG), the licensing agreement that expired on January 31 (via Reuters).

The report cites a person familiar with the matter, who says TikTok will likely remove “all UMPG content before the end of February” given the legality of the matter. TikTok has, however, contacted UMG and is still open to negotiating a new deal, the source added.

In late January 2024, Universal Music Group said it could not reach new terms with TikTok. The disagreements mainly centered around how artists are paid and how TikTok uses AI. Universal Music accused TikTok of trying to push for a less favorable deal than before.

UMG is the parent company of UMPG which represents a vast roster of artists such as Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Sting, The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, Steve Lacy, Drake, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande , Justin. Bieber, Adele, U2, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan. Although I don't remember any TikTok videos with Bob Dylan…

The music label entered into an agreement with TikTok in February 2021, which allowed users of the video application to add clips from UMG's catalog to their videos.

UMG, the world's largest music company, said TikTok only represents about 1% of its total revenue.
TikTok said the UMG and UMPG catalog represents around 20-30% of popular songs, which vary by region.