UMG to Remove Music From TikTok Over Licensing Dispute, Impacting Top Artists
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Universal Music Group (UMG) plans to remove its music from TikTok on January 31st when its licensing deal expires, which would impact hugely popular artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Drake.
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UMG cites concerns over compensation, AI content diluting royalties, and safety/moderation issues on TikTok as reasons for departing. TikTok brings in only 1% of UMG's annual revenue.
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The move could significantly limit sounds and songs on TikTok where dance trends and viral sounds have launched many hits.
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UMG calls TikTok's payment offer "a fraction" of rates on other platforms and accuses it of "sponsoring artist replacement by AI" with its new AI Song feature.
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TikTok accused UMG of "greed" in response and claims the company is lying, so no agreement seems likely before the deadline.