Jacob Brown
TikTok says it has begun removing more music from its platform as part of an ongoing dispute over royalties with Universal Music Group (UMG).
TikTok Faces Silence as Universal Music Cracks Down on Split Copyrights
TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, is facing a significant challenge as Universal Music Group (UMG) extends its crackdown on split copyrights beyond artists to include writers.
This move has the potential to silence a substantial portion of the platform’s music content, affecting both popular and emerging artists.
Impact on Music Content
Previously, TikTok had already muted songs by artists signed to UMG.
Now, with the inclusion of writers under the label’s umbrella, videos featuring songs by artists like Harry Styles and Adele, who have collaborated with Universal-signed writers, could also face muting.
TikTok estimates that up to 30% of “popular songs” could be affected, while industry estimates suggest the figure could be as high as 80% of all music on the platform.
Understanding Split Copyrights
The issue stems from “split copyrights,” where even a minor contribution from a songwriter signed to UMG’s publishing arm could trigger the muting of an entire recording.
This extends beyond UMG’s own artists to include those signed with other major labels like Sony and Warner, as well as numerous independent artists.
Licencing Dispute and Removal
UMG’s music catalogue was licensed to TikTok until recently, but the label allowed the license to lapse due to failed negotiations over compensation.
Consequently, around three million songs from UMG’s recording catalogue were removed from TikTok in early February.
Now, as the publishing catalogue deal expires, an additional four million songs are expected to be pulled from the platform.
Dispute Over Compensation
UMG has accused TikTok of “bullying” tactics by offering to pay significantly lower rates compared to other platforms.
The label argues that despite TikTok’s vast user base, it contributes only 1% of their total revenue. However, TikTok has contested this narrative, calling it a “false narrative and rhetoric.”
Impact on TikTok and Artists
Music is integral to TikTok’s appeal, with creators frequently incorporating songs into their videos. The platform has also served as a launchpad for artists to gain exposure and build their fan base.
The emergence of TikTok charts and the platform’s role in driving user engagement underscore its significance in the music industry.
Conclusion
The dispute between TikTok and UMG highlights the complexities of digital music licensing and the challenges platforms face in compensating rights holders fairly.
As the situation unfolds, both TikTok users and artists await resolution, hoping to preserve the platform’s vibrant music culture while ensuring fair compensation for creators.
