Universal Music Returns to TikTok: Artists' Compensation Enhanced, AI Concerns Addressed

TikTok and Universal have settled their music royalties dispute, leading to the restoration of millions of songs on the platform. The agreement includes improved remuneration for artists, although the exact financial details have not been disclosed. Universal's music is expected to be back on TikTok within two weeks, including audio restoration for previously muted videos.

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As a result, millions of songs will be restored to the platform, allowing users to once again create videos featuring popular artists such as Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande.

The disagreement between TikTok and Universal had escalated to the point where the music label had withdrawn the works of some of the world's most famous singers. However, the two companies have now resolved their differences and announced "improved remuneration" for artists. The exact details of the financial agreement have not been disclosed.

Universal's CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, shared the news with staff in an email, stating that TikTok had agreed to "key changes." He also mentioned that under the new agreement, artist and songwriter compensation would be greater than in their previous deal.

The process of restoring Universal's music to TikTok is expected to take less than two weeks. This includes reinstating audio to videos that were previously muted during the dispute. Taylor Swift, one of Universal's biggest artists, had already made a separate agreement to bring her music back to the platform, as she owns the copyright to her songs.

TikTok's head, Shou Zi Chew, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem, and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group."

This settlement comes at a critical time for TikTok, as the platform is currently facing challenges in the United States. It plans to legally contest a law that could potentially lead to its sale or ban in the country.

In addition to resolving the royalties dispute, the agreement between TikTok and Universal also addresses concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) on the platform. Drake and The Weeknd, two prominent artists, will be returning to TikTok after a controversy surrounding a viral video that used AI to clone their voices. The companies have now implemented "industry-leading protections" to safeguard against unauthorised AI-generated music.

TikTok and Universal have committed to working together to protect human artistry in the face of AI technology. They will collaborate on removing unauthorised AI-generated music from the platform and improving artist and songwriter attribution. Sir Lucian Grainge emphasised that this deal will enable the removal of "fake artist" AI songs.

The agreement has been welcomed by musicians who have previously called on tech firms to refrain from developing AI tools that can generate music without consent. However, it remains to be seen whether the commitments made by TikTok and Universal will fully address these concerns.

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• TikTok and Universal have settled their music royalties dispute, leading to the restoration of millions of songs on the platform.

• The agreement includes improved remuneration for artists, although the exact financial details have not been disclosed.

• Universal's music is expected to be back on TikTok within two weeks, including audio restoration for previously muted videos.

Source: BBC