Many TikTok Videos Could be Muted Today: Music by Taylor Swift, Drake, BTS, Ariana Grande Affected
Universal Music Group (UMG) to remove entire music catalog from TikTok. UMG accuses TikTok of undervaluing their music and failing to provide fair compensation. TikTok allegedly demanded a contractual right that would dilute the royalty pool for human artists.
In a shocking turn of events, Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced that it will be removing its entire music catalog from TikTok when their contract with the platform expires on Today. UMG accuses TikTok of undervaluing their music and failing to provide fair compensation for their artists and songwriters. The decision comes after failed negotiations between the two parties, with UMG expressing concerns about TikTok's rates and its handling of copyright infringement issues.
UMG released an open letter addressed to their artists and songwriters, stating their dissatisfaction with TikTok's proposed payment rates. The letter reads, "With respect to the issue of artist and songwriter compensation, TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay."
Furthermore, UMG claims that TikTok demanded a contractual right that would allow AI-generated content to dilute the royalty pool for human artists. This move, according to UMG, is seen as "sponsoring artist replacement by AI." The company also expressed concerns about the level of hate and harassment on the platform and TikTok's stance on artificial intelligence.
UMG alleges that TikTok attempted to bully them into accepting a deal that was worth less than their previous agreement and did not reflect the platform's exponential growth. TikTok allegedly selectively removed the music of certain developing artists while keeping the music of their global stars on the platform.
If UMG follows through with their decision, it will impact all music distributed and administered by their recorded-music division, as well as Universal Music Publishing Group. This includes music from top artists such as Taylor Swift, BTS, Drake, Ariana Grande, and many more.
TikTok responded to UMG's claims, stating that they have chosen to walk away from a platform with over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent. TikTok argues that they have reached "artist-first" agreements with every other label and publisher, and UMG's actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced issues with the music industry. In 2019, the National Music Publishers' Association called for an investigation into TikTok for potential copyright theft. TikTok has also faced criticism for its handling of infringing content and online safety issues.
Universal Music Group (UMG) to remove entire music catalog from TikTok
UMG accuses TikTok of undervaluing their music and failing to provide fair compensation
TikTok allegedly demanded a contractual right that would dilute the royalty pool for human artists
Source: BILLBOARD