Since last February, Universal Music Group's music has not been available on TikTok. In its goal of obtaining “fair compensation for artists and songwriters, protection from the harmful effects of Artificial Intelligence, and online safety for TikTok users,” Universal had decided not to renew its contract with TikTok.
In this way, the music of the most popular artists in the world, such as Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny or Ariana Grande, could no longer be used in videos on the Chinese platform, dramatically, since TikTok has been crucial in the popularization of numerous artists. mainstream and independent for years. Some users found shortcuts by uploading sped up or slowed down versions, but the official songs would not be available until further notice.
That notice finally arrived today. Universal Music Group and TikTok have reached a new publishing agreement that brings Universal Music Group's music back to the platform. According to the official press release published by Universal, this “multidimensional” agreement ensures better compensation for the “global family of Universal Music Group”, specifically for artists, songwriters and record labels.
Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, has stated that “this new stage with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the importance of human art and the well-being of the creative community.” For its part, TikTok benefits from bringing the most coveted music on the planet back to the platform.
A first clue of the new agreement between Universal Music Group and TikTok had been given by Taylor Swift, whose musical catalog was re-uploaded to the social network shortly before the release of her new album, 'The Tortured Poets Department'. An agreement between artist and platform that Taylor Swift herself would have approved on her account, given that she is the owner of her masters.
