The recent licensing deal between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok has brought an end to a three-month standoff over artist payments and AI-generated content. UMG announced that it is working to bring back its music catalog and artists on TikTok in the near future. The deal includes promises of better pay for songwriters and artists, as well as collaboration on new promotional and monetization tools, such as online shopping and ticket buying features.
Both companies have committed to protecting human artistry and ensuring that any AI development will benefit artists and songwriters. TikTok has agreed to take down unauthorized AI-generated music and improve artist and songwriter attribution. Ole Obermann, TikTok’s global head of music business development, expressed a commitment to developing AI tools responsibly to encourage musical creativity and fan engagement while safeguarding human creativity.
The standoff between UMG and TikTok began in late January when UMG announced it would stop licensing its music library to TikTok. In February, music by UMG artists was removed from the platform, causing older videos featuring these songs to be muted. Notable artists affected by this move included Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Drake, and Ariana Grande. UMG criticized TikTok for offering low payouts to artists and songwriters compared to other major social platforms, as well as for allowing AI-generated recordings to flood the platform.
The new licensing deal marks a significant turning point in the relationship between UMG and TikTok, with promises of better pay and collaboration on new tools for artists. This collaboration will not only benefit the artists and songwriters involved but also sets a precedent for responsible AI development in the music industry. Fans can expect to see the return of UMG’s music catalog on TikTok soon, along with new features aimed at enhancing the overall experience for both creators and users.
