Universal Music Group Removes Artists' Music From TikTok: 'We're Witnessing Their Downfall'

Music by Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and more have been pulled out of TikTok due to Universal Music Group's failed attempt at negotiating with the platform.

That means official songs from UMG will no longer be available on the platform and fan edits using music will be muted.

The move UMG pulled garnered mixed reactions from netizens, With some supporting the artists and UMG's decision and others supporting TikTok.

"We're witnessing the downfall of TikTok."

"Now artists can actually go out and promote instead of relying on TikTok for a hit," another added.

"This is kinda a good thing idk... Artists can now actually promote their music instead of relying on TikTok for promo and hit."

"I commend the stance against AI but pulling the music because you don't feel as a label you're getting paid enough is not a good way to help your artists "Reach their greatest commercial potential," another remarked.

Universal Music Group's Open Letter to TikTok

UMG's statement they acknowledge TikTok's influence on promoting music however they also have not come to an agreement regarding the licensing and artificial intelligence proliferating in the platform.

" In our contract renewal discussions, we have been pressing them on three critical issues-appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok's users," the statement read.

"We have been working to address these and related issues with our other platform partners. For example, our Artist-Centric initiative is designed to update streaming's remuneration model and better reward artists for the value they deliver to platforms."

Netizens Call Out Universal Music Group

UMG accused TikTok of trying to build a music-based business without paying fair value for the music.

As of this writing music from UMG Are no longer available on the platform.

However, netizens are unconvinced and point to the labels for being too greedy.

"TikTok is now running a similar game to one that UMG has been running on the music industry for several decades-this letter sounds like you're whining."

"Did you think anyone was going to side with you? Never seen a company more annoying with DMCAs than UMG."

"Are you sure it can help your artists? From what I see TikTok even helps make the song viral and increase the number of people using the music for their content though."

Tags

Universal Music Group, TikTok