TikTok plans to bring millions of songs back to its platform after resolving a royalties dispute with Universal Music Group. This agreement allows users to once again create videos using music from popular artists like Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande.
The dispute centered around compensation, temporarily removing some artists’ music from the platform. The companies have now agreed to “improved remuneration” for artists, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
In an email to staff, Universal’s CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, confirmed that TikTok agreed to significant changes, including increased compensation for artists and songwriters compared to their previous agreement.
The two companies are working quickly to reinstate Universal’s music on TikTok, aiming to complete the process in less than two weeks. This restoration includes unmuting videos affected during the dispute.
Notably, Taylor Swift, one of Universal’s top artists, had already returned her music to TikTok under a separate deal, as she owns her song copyrights.
“TikTok plays an essential role in the music ecosystem, and we are pleased to find a way forward with Universal Music Group,” said TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
The resolution comes as TikTok faces challenges in the United States, where it plans to challenge a law that could lead to its sale or ban.
More money, less AI
Besides restoring music, the agreement also addresses concerns about AI-generated content. Both companies will work to “protect human artistry” on TikTok by removing unauthorized AI-generated music and enhancing artist and songwriter attribution.
The deal enables artists like Drake and The Weeknd to return to the platform after their involvement in a 2023 AI controversy. A song that cloned their voices using AI went viral on TikTok before its removal due to copyright violations.
Universal and TikTok will collaborate to ensure responsible development of AI tools, supporting a new era of musical creativity while safeguarding human artists.
Despite the commitments, it remains uncertain whether the new agreement fully addresses all artist concerns about AI in music.
