Universal Music Group Removes Songs from TikTok Amidst Contract Dispute

Universal Music Label is at odds with the app TikTok amidst negotiations to renew its contract with the popular video-sharing site. According to the label, they will not renew their contract with TikTok, stating the app has been a “bully” and used “intimidation” tactics during talks. As a result, some popular music has already been removed, including Taylor Swift, Adele and Drake. 

Despite Universal Music group’s warning in an open letter to artists, TikTok asserted its stance, adding, “Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.”

Current contractual negotiations between the two entities focus on three main factors: compensation for artists and songwriters, the effects of artificial intelligence, and only safety for TikTok users. The entertainment app touched on its own success, adding it “has been built in large part on the music created by our artists and songwriters,” despite accusations that the platform pays “a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.” 

Music licensed by Universal on TikTok has already begun to be taken off the app, with more expected to come down in the coming days.