TikTok is currently removing all songs written or co-written by artists signed to Universal Music Group (UMG) amid a protracted dispute between the platforms over music copyright.
TikTok said in a statement: “Based on the information provided by Universal Music Publishing Group-signed songwriters, we will review all songs written (or co-written) by Universal Music Publishing Group-signed songwriters. “We are in the process of implementing Universal Music Group's request to remove the content.” on that website. “Their actions now not only impact the songwriters and artists they represent, but also many artists and songwriters who are not signed to Universal.”
On Tuesday, Variety reported that TikTok was set to lose more UMG songs, but it wasn't clear how many songs would be affected. Rolling Stone reports that this will also affect artists who are not signed to UMG but have publishing deals with the label, including Harry Styles, Steve Lacy, and SZA.
In early February, TikTok began removing music from UMG's most popular artists, including Taylor Swift, Drake and Olivia Rodrigo, after the two companies failed to renew their music licensing agreement. UMG alleges that TikTok failed to address the label's concerns about AI-generated music and artist compensation and attempted to “bully” it into an unfair contract. In the aftermath, many TikTok videos containing UMG songs went silent.
TikTok said: “We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement with Universal Music Group.” “In the meantime, music lovers can continue to enjoy, discover, and share millions of songs from artists, songwriters, and labels on TikTok. We will continue to connect all artists with their artists, even those who may not have access to them.'' Fans. ”
As TikTok creators struggle to access their favorite artists' songs, YouTube is wooing short-form video creators by featuring songs from UMG's catalog with a new music video remix feature launched earlier this month. It is said that