- TikTok removed Universal Music Group artists’ songs as licensing talks stalled over financial terms.
- UMG accused TikTok of inadequately addressing issues like AI content and harassment.
- The public feud aims to bring TikTok back to negotiations vital to both companies.
TikTok removes UMG Music
TikTok began removing music by major Universal Music Group artists like Taylor Swift this week after licensing negotiations between the two entertainment giants broke down.
UMG published an open letter Tuesday accusing TikTok of inadequately addressing issues like AI-generated content and harassment.
TikTok shot back denying claims it enables abuse and helps some artists over others.
Licensing talks break down
But beneath the corporate blame game lies a core disagreement – how much TikTok should pay to license UMG’s valuable catalog now that the app has over 1 billion users.
Both companies want to work together given TikTok’s importance for music discovery, but are guarding their financial interests.
Public feud escalates
This public feud – including UMG’s call for a TikTok “time out” – is seen as a dramatic tactic to bring the app back to the negotiating table.
But TikTok also risks losing key artists as it pushes into dedicated music streaming and artist services, areas where record labels still hold sway.
