TikTok and Universal Music Group have resolved a dispute over music royalties and AI use, leading to a new licensing deal. The agreement will reinstate millions of songs, featuring popular artists, back on the platform, with enhanced artist compensation and AI protections.
TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) have settled a dispute over music royalties and the use of artificial intelligence, resulting in a new licensing agreement. This development will restore millions of songs to the platform, including tracks from artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Adele, within the next two weeks.
UMG had withdrawn its music from TikTok in February 2024, citing concerns over fair compensation for artists and the potential misuse of AI to clone music. UMG accused TikTok of undervaluing artists’ contributions and failing to address concerns regarding AI-generated music. The new “multi-dimensional” deal promises improved remuneration for artists and songwriters and includes substantial protections against unauthorized AI usage.
UMG’s CEO Sir Lucian Grainge and TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew expressed optimism about the agreement, emphasizing its benefits for improving artist compensation, enhancing platform safety, and advancing the protection of human artistry against AI threats. This settlement represents an important resolution to a significant industry conflict, ensuring that UMG’s vast catalog will once again be available to TikTok’s extensive user base of over 1 billion globally, including 170 million in the United States.
