Effective 31 January 2024, TikTok users will bid farewell to Universal Music Group’s (UMG) extensive catalog due to the breakdown of licensing negotiations between the social media platform and the music giant. The existing licensing agreement is set to expire on this date, leading to the removal of UMG’s colossal catalog, boasting around 3 million recorded music tracks and approximately 4 million songs represented in UMG’s publishing.

Failed negotiations cited disagreements on several fronts, such as payment issues for artists and songwriters, concerns about safeguarding artists from artificial intelligence, and online safety matters. Notably, TikTok users will lose access to music from major artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, the Weeknd, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, SZA, Billie Eilish, and Adele, among others.

In response to the situation, TikTok expressed disappointment and accused UMG of prioritizing “greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.” TikTok highlighted its substantial reach, boasting over a billion users and functioning as a free promotional and discovery tool for emerging talent.

TikTok argued that it has successfully negotiated “artist-first” agreements with every other label and publisher, portraying UMG’s actions as self-serving and contrary to the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.

The removal of UMG’s catalog from TikTok carries significant implications for both the platform and the broader music industry. TikTok has been a vital platform for discovering and promoting music, with many artists finding success as their music goes viral on the platform.

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