Video-sharing platform TikTok is facing a massive change after a vast number of popular songs were removed from the app.
Universal Group, the world’s leading record label, has removed their artists' songs from the platform after their contract with TikTok expired on Wednesday, 31 January.
Since the app launched in 2016, TikTok has transformed into a promotional tool for artists, but last week, users were shocked to discover that they couldn't use fan-favourite tracks from artists like Taylor Swift, Drake and Bad Bunny in their videos.
Why is Universal Music Group removing music from TikTok?
The record label posted a statement on its website addressing its departure from the app, after the music licensing agreement between TikTok and UMG group expired. Both groups have failed to reach an agreement despite negotiations.
In an open letter, titled ‘Why We Must Call Time Out on TikTok’, the group listed several reasons for the disagreement, including accusing TikTok of not fairly compensating artists and songwriters and not protecting them from the effects of artificial intelligence.
UMG said as "negotiations continued, TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth”.
The label added that TikTok has allowed itself “to be flooded with AI-generated recordings,” and even “ encouraged,” leading to a reduction in “royalties for musicians”.
UMG has claimed TikTok offered to pay for its artists and songwriters, but at “a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay”.
It added that: “Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.”
Concerns over AI-generated content in the film industry have also been previously raised during the SAG-AFTRA and the writers' strikes last year.
How has TikTok responded?
TikTok responded shortly after in a statement on 31 January, branding the music label’s letter as “false narrative and rhetoric”.
In a statement, the company said: “It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.
“Despite Universal's false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.
“TikTok has been able to reach 'artist-first' agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal's self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans.”
What artists are signed to Universal Music Group and no longer on TikTok?
Universal Group is the largest music company in the world and has many recognisable record labels, which include Interscope, Geffen, Capitol, Def Jam, Island, Polydor, Republic, and Virgin Music Group.
The group’s decision to no longer allow TikTok to platform their artist’s music on the app will impact a large number of artists.
Here is a list of the artists whose music will no longer be available on TikTok
Taylor Swift
Bad Bunny
The Weeknd
SZA
Adele
Steve Lacy
Drake
Billie Eilish
Kendrick Lamar
Rosalía
Harry Styles
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Justin Bieber
Coldplay
Post Malone
ABBA
Billy Joel
Britney Spears
Carly Rae Jepsen
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Jason Derulo
Maisie Peters
Mariah Carey
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
J.Cole
Renee Rapp
Sabrina Carpenter
Olivia Rodrigo
Troye Sivan
Noah Kahan
Greta Van Fleet
Kim Petras
Yung Gravy
