Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s most influential music establishments, has recently signed a groundbreaking contract with the influential video-sharing app TikTok. This agreement ensures that the music of leading UMG artists, including Olivia Rodrigo and Drake, will now be available to TikTok users. The deal was reached in response to artists leaving the app after UMG scanned the content and withdrew their music due to disagreements over artist remuneration and the use of artificial intelligence in music production, which they believed contradicted artists’ rights.
In a joint statement, the companies announced that they are working together to find a legitimate way to bring UMG’s music back to TikTok. The agreement includes measures to address concerns about generative AI technology, which uses minimal input to create realistic text, images, and audio tracks. TikTok acknowledges the need for a mutually beneficial collaboration with UMG to tackle this issue.
Protecting artists’ rights and ensuring fair remuneration is another important aspect of this agreement. Both parties recognize the significance of human artistry and the need to treat artists and songwriters fairly. The goal is to eliminate unfair compensation for UMG artists and provide promotional opportunities for their recordings and songs through various channels. Additionally, the agreement establishes industry-leading standards for AI to safeguard artists’ rights and preserve their earnings.
The controversy surrounding AI-generated music gained attention when a UMG artist’s song project featuring Drake and the Weeknd was removed from TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube. The track, titled “Heart on My Sleeve,” was suspected of featuring AI-generated music, which deprived the artists of their creative rights. The recent settlement between UMG and TikTok aims to prevent similar disputes in the future.
TikTok plays a crucial role in the music industry, with around a quarter of US consumers discovering new music through the app. Among 16-year-olds in the USA, Spotify is the leading platform for new music discoveries, surpassing YouTube and other streaming services. The collaboration between UMG and TikTok highlights the growing importance of such platforms as key marketing tools for artists and the recording industry.
Interestingly, UMG artist Taylor Swift has allowed her music to be featured on TikTok due to a copyright agreement made two years ago. The contract specifies the conditions under which her music can be used, and Swift has the option to release her songs directly on TikTok, regardless of the parent company’s circumstances under her UMG contract.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chair and CEO of UMG, emphasized the value of music, stating that it should not be replaced by technology. He sees the new agreement with TikTok as a progressive step for the artistic community, with humans providing support to music creators. On the other hand, Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, highlighting the centrality of music to TikTok’s products. He also emphasized TikTok’s commitment to the development of music rights ownership.
The partnership between UMG and TikTok is a significant milestone in the ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship between the music industry and social media. By resolving issues related to AI-generated music and ensuring fair compensation for artists, this agreement creates a more equitable playing field for musicians on TikTok.
