Universal Music Group (UMG) recently removed its music from TikTok, leaving many users wondering why their favorite songs disappeared. This move stems from a licensing dispute between UMG and TikTok, impacting artists, creators, and the overall user experience. As one of the largest music labels, UMG’s decision raises questions about fair compensation, copyright policies, and the future of music on social media platforms. This article explores the reasons behind the removal and what it means for TikTok users and the music industry.
What Caused the Dispute?
The issue started when TikTok and UMG couldn’t agree on terms for artist payment, platform safety, and protection against AI-generated content. Since they couldn’t reach a deal, UMG decided not to renew its licensing agreement. This move led to the removal of its massive music catalog from TikTok. Creators who often rely on trending music for engagement felt the impact. Users who enjoy creative content driven by popular tracks also experienced the change.
UMG’s decision wasn’t just about lost revenue from streams. The music industry has broader concerns, especially with the rise of AI-generated content and new digital distribution models. UMG wanted to ensure fair payment and maintain control over its music, which became a priority in talks with TikTok.
Universal Music Group and TikTok Announce New Licensing Agreement
In May 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok reached a new licensing agreement, restoring UMG’s extensive catalogue to the platform after a brief removal due to disputes over royalties and artificial intelligence (AI) policies. This multi-faceted deal aimed to enhance monetization opportunities for artists and songwriters, leveraging TikTok’s expanding e-commerce capabilities. Both companies committed to collaborating on campaigns to support UMG’s artists globally and to developing tools that protect human artistry against unauthorized AI-generated content. UMG’s Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, emphasized the focus on the value of music and the welfare of the creative community, while TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, highlighted the platform’s dedication to driving value and discovery for UMG’s artists. (Universal Music)
Despite this renewed partnership, TikTok announced in September 2024 that it would shut down its standalone music streaming service, TikTok Music, on November 28, 2024. Launched in July 2023 to compete with services like Spotify and Apple Music, TikTok Music operated in countries including Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. The decision to discontinue the service was influenced by challenges such as licensing disputes, including the temporary removal of UMG’s catalog, and the platform’s struggle to gain significant market traction. Ole Obermann, TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development, stated that the closure would allow the company to focus on enhancing its role in promoting music discovery and driving value on existing streaming services through features like the ‘Add to Music App,’ which enables users to save tracks discovered on TikTok to their preferred music platforms.
These developments underscore the dynamic and complex relationship between social media platforms and the music industry, highlighting the ongoing efforts to balance artist compensation, intellectual property rights, and the evolving landscape of music consumption.
How It Affects TikTok’s Community
For TikTok’s creators, losing UMG’s catalog was a big setback. Music plays a huge role in the platform’s culture. It often sparks viral trends and challenges. Without popular tracks, content diversity and creativity could suffer. This might lead to a drop in engagement.
The change also impacts influencer brand deals. Many partnerships rely on specific songs. With fewer mainstream tracks, these deals might need new ideas.
What’s Next for TikTok?
TikTok hasn’t announced plans to bring back UMG’s catalog yet. However, the platform is looking for ways to keep its creative community active. Whether through new licensing deals, original sounds, or partnerships with independent artists, TikTok needs to innovate. Keeping music as a key part of its user experience will be crucial.
Which Music Is Being Removed from TikTok?
The music being removed from TikTok includes tracks licensed by Universal Music Group (UMG). UMG is one of the biggest record labels in the industry. With UMG’s massive influence on the music world, its departure from TikTok is expected to impact a huge number of songs and sounds available to creators.
According to Andrew Mall, a music professor at Northeastern University, this shift affects an “uncountable number of tracks,” which will drastically limit song options for TikTok users. Starting Thursday, users will no longer be able to find or use many popular songs—such as those from Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, and more—under TikTok’s “Sounds” tab.
Not only will new videos be restricted from using UMG-licensed tracks, but existing videos featuring these songs may also be affected. Whether these videos are muted or completely removed will be Tiktok Removing Music, according to a UMG spokesperson. Additionally, artists themselves will be unable to post their UMG-licensed songs on TikTok.
While the full removal process will take time, TikTok users should expect to see gradual changes over the coming days. However, not all music is affected—only tracks under UMG’s licensing. Songs signed with other major labels, such as Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, should remain available on the platform.
Why did UMG Not Allow TikTok to use Music?
The breakdown in negotiations between UMG and Tiktok Removing Music led to the expiration of their licensing agreement.
In a letter to artists and songwriters on Tuesday about Tiktok Removing Music, UMG outlined three key concerns that led to the fallout:
- Fair compensation for artists and songwriters.
- Protection against AI-generated music, which they believe threatens human creativity.
- Online safety, including concerns about hate speech, bullying, and harassment on TikTok.
UMG claimed that TikTok offered significantly lower payouts compared to other major social platforms. Stating that the app contributes only about 1% of its total revenue. The company also criticized TikTok’s push for AI-generated music, arguing that it could undermine human artists.
TikTok, however, denied UMG’s claims, stating that it has reached “artist-first” agreements with every other major label and publisher. In response to UMG’s decision, TikTok accused the music giant of prioritizing, calling the move “sad and disappointing.”
Can Tiktok Bring Them Back in The Future?
Even though the licensing deal has expired, experts believe this standoff between UMG and TikTok is temporary and will likely be resolved.
Ted Cockle, head of Mussel Music Management, compared the situation to a corporate power struggle, calling it a “theatrical standoff” between two industry giants trying to assert dominance.
In the meantime, TikTok users will likely adapt, Cockle noted. He and other industry experts doubt the dispute will drag on for too long. Licensing gaps in the digital music era have usually been resolved within days to a few months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UMG’s decision to remove its catalogue from TikTok highlights ongoing tensions. The dispute over licensing and fair compensation raises important questions about how artists and labels are valued in the digital space. It also signals a larger conversation about the future of music streaming and content monetization. As negotiations continue, users and artists alike will be watching closely to see how this issue unfolds.