TikTok
has started to remove songs published by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) due to an ongoing
licensing dispute
with its parent company,
Universal Music Group
(UMG). A report has said that the short video format platform is losing more songs than anticipated, following the removal of songs owned or distributed by UMG in January.
A report by TechCrunch said that the removal affects all songs written or co-written by songwriters signed to UMPG, regardless of who owns the recording.
This means even songs by artists on other labels could be impacted if they contain UMPG-controlled compositions.
Videos using impacted songs will remain on the platform but will be muted. TikTok estimates UMG and UMPG's catalogue represents 20-30% of popular songs on the platform. The move aims to ensure compliance with licensing agreements and avoid copyright infringement.
Notably, TikTok needs to begin removing songs now to complete the process before the end of February.
Why UMG is removing songs from TikTok
Last month, UMG announced that it will pull its entire music catalogue from TikTok. The company announced unfair compensation, rampant piracy and a disturbing AI agenda behind its decision in an open letter.
UMG blasted TikTok for its "exploitative" tactics, accusing the platform of offering a pittance compared to other social media giants, failing to protect artists from piracy, and even actively promoting the creation of AI-generated music that could potentially replace human artists.
“TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that's a slap in the face. They want to build a music empire on the backs of our artists, while offering them pennies on the dollar,” the letter read.
UMG's roster includes such megastars as Taylor Swift, BTS, Drake, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Karol G and Post Malone.
English (US) ·