Taylor Swift’s label Universal Music Group is reportedly pulling its music from TikTok, accusing the video platform of bullying and intimidation. The music licensing agreement between UMG and TikTok expired on Wednesday.
Universal Music Group to Pull Songs from TikTok
According to CNBC, UMG has accused TikTok of bullying and intimidation in its contract negotiations with the label, saying it will be no longer license its music to the platform. New terms have not been decided for the now-expired music licensing agreement, meaning UMG could pull its catalog from TikTok.
UMG shared an open letter on Wednesday, claiming it has pushed TikTok for “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”
The label said TikTok proposed paying its artists “at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.” Apparently, only one percent of UMG’s revenue comes from TikTok. UMG accused TikTok of trying to bully the label “into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal.”
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TikTok Responded to UMG’s Accusations
“It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters,” TikTok said in a statement, adding that UMG has “chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.”
UMG represents artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Adele, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Coldplay, and more.
TikTok referred to UMG’s accusations as “false narrative and rhetoric.” The platform said it was able to reach “artist-first agreements with every other label and publisher.” Last year, TikTok signed a music licensing deal with Warner Music Group.
