Taylor Swift, Coldplay and other music will disappear from TikTok [U]

Update: Added TikTok statement for 9to5Mac.

With the new license, music on TikTok will stop. An agreement with Universal Music Group will not be reached by January 31. Universal says it will take back its songs from the viral video giant when its existing agreement expires.

Variety reports that Universal Music Group is accusing TikTok of that he is forcing UMG to enter into a deal for an amount less than its previous agreement. Artist compensation and artificial intelligence are also issues holding up a new deal. If the agreement does expire on Wednesday, UMG will pull its library from TikTok and make its huge catalog of music unavailable on the service.

UMG said its The agreement with TikTok expires on January 31. “The companies have not agreed to the terms of a new agreement, and upon expiration of the current agreement, Universal Music Group, including Universal Music Publishing Group, will cease licensing content. to the TikTok and TikTok Music services,” the company said in a statement. […]

Artists on Universal Music Group labels include Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Sting, The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, SZA, Steve Lacy, Drake, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Harry. Styles, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Adele, U2, Elton John, J Balvin, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan and Post Malone.

TikTok relies heavily on its licensing agreements with record labels because the social network is based on viral videos using popular music.

TikTok provided 9to5Mac with the following statement:

Sad and it's disappointing that Universal Music Group has put its own greed above the interests of its artists and songwriters. Despite Universal's false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is that they have chosen to forgo the powerful support of a platform with over a billion users that serves as a free means of promoting and discovering their talent. TikTok was able to reach an “artist first” audience. agreements with all other labels and publishers. Clearly, Universal's self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.

The full report can be read here.