TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, is facing a new wave of music removals in its ongoing dispute with Universal Music Group UMG over royalties. Following the silencing of songs by artists signed to the label, TikTok is now extending its actions to include songs by writers associated with Universal.
This move has significant implications, potentially muting videos featuring songs by renowned artists like Harry Styles and Adele, who have collaborated with Universal-signed writers. TikTok estimates that up to 30% of “popular songs” could be affected by these removals. However, industry estimates suggest that the impact could be far greater, with up to 80% of all music on the platform facing potential muting.
The root of this issue lies in split copyrights, where even a small contribution from a songwriter associated with Universal Music’s publishing arm could lead to the removal of the entire song from TikTok. This broad approach to copyright enforcement affects not only Universal-signed artists but also those from other labels, including Sony and Warner, as well as numerous independent musicians.
The dispute between TikTok and Universal Music Group escalated earlier this year when the label allowed its music licensing agreement with the app to lapse. This decision came after negotiations failed to resolve disagreements over the compensation TikTok should provide to artists for using their music on the platform.
As a result, TikTok was forced to remove Universal’s extensive recording catalogue, comprising approximately three million songs, at the beginning of February. The absence of Universal’s music has left a noticeable gap on the platform, impacting the ability of users to create content with popular songs from Universal-signed artists.
The ongoing standoff underscores the complex dynamics between technology platforms and the music industry regarding fair compensation for artists and rights holders. While TikTok remains a vital platform for music discovery and promotion, its inability to reach agreements with major labels like Universal poses significant challenges for both creators and users alike.
As TikTok continues to navigate these copyright disputes, the fate of millions of songs on the platform hangs in the balance. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the future of music licensing on TikTok but also influence broader discussions surrounding digital rights management and compensation in the digital age.
