TikTok users rejoice as they can now once again create music clips using tracks from Universal Music Group’s extensive catalog. This expansive list boasts some of the biggest names in music today, such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande. This development comes as a result of a newly forged content licensing agreement between the social media platform and Universal Music Group, putting an end to months of disputes. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
This strategic move comes at a critical juncture for TikTok, which has been facing persistent threats of bans in key markets, including the United States. Therefore, securing this victory with UMG not only strengthens TikTok’s content offerings but also elevates its credibility among consumers, who are expected to rally in support of the platform. As TikTok opts to challenge the threat of a U.S. ban in court, positive news like this could prove invaluable.
The UMG catalog will be accessible for video creation within the next one to two weeks. Additionally, existing videos that incorporate UMG music but were previously muted will be restored to full volume once the catalog becomes available. TikTok expressed its excitement by stating that fans can eagerly anticipate the return of UMG’s music catalogs. They will once again have the opportunity to create videos featuring music from some of the world’s most renowned artists and songwriters, as well as exciting emerging talents.
This deal follows the recent return of a selection of Taylor Swift’s music to TikTok last month, primarily due to her ownership of the masters for some of her albums. TikTok’s Global Head of Music, Ole Obermann, emphasized the integral role of music within TikTok’s ecosystem. He expressed the platform’s commitment to fostering value, discovery, and promotion for UMG’s exceptional artists and songwriters, further empowering their growth, connections, and engagement with the TikTok community.
Earlier this year, UMG had withdrawn its catalog from the short video platform after declining to renew its agreement with TikTok. Subsequently, UMG entered into a separate agreement with Spotify for music videos.
The settlement between TikTok and UMG is a significant development, particularly in light of the recent uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s fate. The integration of UMG’s vast catalog into TikTok’s platform enhances the platform’s appeal, solidifies its position within the music industry, and bolsters its defense against potential bans.
