As UMG, TikTok feud escalates, more songs fall silent

| PHOTO: cottonbro studio on Pexels

The ongoing battle between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok has reached a fever pitch as the popular social media platform continues to remove songs from its platform.

The rift between the two first surfaced in early February when music from Taylor Swift, BTS and Drake were muted on TikTok following the expiration of the licensing agreement with UMG. Negotiations faltered, leading to a contentious impasse between the parties.

Just recently, the platform took a decisive step by stripping more music from artists connected to UMG’s extensive publishing catalog, in compliance with UMG’s directives.

Even artists not directly signed under UMG but with publishing deals, such as Harry Styles and SZA, found their songs subject to removal.

TikTok defended its actions, citing compliance with UMG’s requirements while expressing concern for the broader implications on the music industry. In a statement, TikTok lamented that UMG’s stance now impacts artists and songwriters beyond their roster.

However, UMG retaliated, accusing the social platform of disregarding the intrinsic value of songs and brushing aside concerns regarding AI and equitable compensation for songwriters. UMG criticized TikTok’s utilization of AI algorithms, alleging an undervaluation of music and a prioritization of profit over the welfare of artists.

As tensions continue to mount, the music industry watches with bated breath, awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes showdown between two forces.