Published: May 6, 2024
TikTok, UMG Reach Agreement to Bring Label’s Music Back to App
By Movieguide® Contributor
TikTok and Universal Music Group have come to an agreement to bring the label’s music back to the app.
TikTok and UMG’s deal promises to “deliver improved remuneration for UMG’s songwriters and artists, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs and industry-leading protections with respect to generative AI.”
The deal will also restore music to previously muted videos that used music from UMG.
“This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community,” UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said in a statement about the resolution. “We look forward to collaborating with the team at TikTok to further the interests of our artists and songwriters and drive innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”
TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew also made a statement, saying, “Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group. We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”
UMG pulled all of their artist’s music off of the platform earlier this year, stating a need for “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
The world’s largest music company and the fifth largest social media platform, TikTok, are still going head-to-head.
“The bruising battle over royalties between Universal Music Group and TikTok entered a new and more severe stage in the early hours of Tuesday as songs published by UMG began to be removed from the platform,” Variety reported Tuesday.
“The standoff, which began earlier this month, initially saw recordings owned or distributed by UMG removed from the platform, but now is extending to a much larger number of songs by including those published by the company,” Variety continued.
Previously, UMG songs had only been muted since the music battle began.
The details are messy. While UMG mutes and removes its songs on TikTok, it’s unclear how it bases its criteria for its actions in certain cases. Nor is it clear how much music will be affected.
“For example, [consider] if one of seven writers on a song is under contract to Universal,” Variety said. It’s unclear if the song would be taken down or not.
“Opinions differ widely: Sources close to UMG claim that it has a share in a majority of the songs on the platform, while ones close to TikTok places the number much smaller, between 20% and 30%,” Variety said. “The latter sources also claim that TikTok has seen no drop in users since UMG music began to be removed earlier this month.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
