Tunes Go Mute: UMG Ends Musical Partnership with TikTok
Imagine enjoying a video of people dancing, but the catch is, there's no music accompanying their moves. Sounds odd, right? Well, TikTok users might soon encounter just that, as songs are on the verge of disappearing from the platform.
According to Variety (via 9to5Mac), Universal Music Group (UMG), a major player in the music industry, has revealed that negotiations with TikTok for a new deal have hit a roadblock. The primary bone of contention revolves around how artists are compensated and TikTok's utilization of artificial intelligence (AI). UMG accuses TikTok of pushing for a less favorable deal than the previous agreement.
UMG stated that its existing deal with TikTok is set to expire on January 31, and if no new terms are agreed upon, UMG, along with Universal Music Publishing Group, will cease licensing content to TikTok and TikTok Music services.
If the deal falls through, TikTok could lose a significant portion of its music library, which might pose challenges for the app known for its viral videos set to popular tunes. UMG represents an impressive roster of artists, including Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Sting, The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, and many more. The absence of their music would undoubtedly dim the star power of TikTok's lip-syncs and dance-offs.
In response to UMG's stance, TikTok fired back, expressing disappointment, saying, "It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters."
The social media giant believes that UMG is turning away from a platform with over a billion users, serving as a valuable free promotional and discovery tool for their talent.
In a letter addressing the situation, UMG acknowledged TikTok's influence but highlighted three key concerns: fair compensation for artists and songwriters, protecting artists from AI's negative impacts, and ensuring online safety for TikTok users.
Speaking of safety concerns, TikTok has been facing challenges lately. The state of Iowa filed a lawsuit, alleging that the app is unsuitable for users under 17. Additionally, TikTok removed a tool used by researchers to study hashtag trends, sparking criticism and contributing to the ongoing tension between social media platforms and researchers examining issues like misinformation.