• TikTok has begun removing Universal Music Publishing Group content from its platform after failing to reach a new licensing deal with the company.
  • In addition to removing UMPG content, TikTok also began blocking videos containing songs written by UMPG-affiliated songwriters.

TikTok Removes UMPG Content

TikTok has initiated the removal of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) content from its platform due to a failure to secure a new licensing agreement with the music label. The social media company announced this decision on Tuesday, indicating a significant shift in its music offerings.

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Muting Videos Featuring UMPG Songs

In addition to removing UMPG content, TikTok has begun muting videos containing songs written by songwriters affiliated with UMPG. This action follows the expiration of the licensing deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) on January 31. Sources suggest that TikTok aims to complete the removal of all UMPG content by the end of February, citing legal considerations. Despite this move, TikTok remains open to negotiating a new agreement with UMG, according to a source familiar with the matter.

These songs are usually recorded by contract with other artists. A notable example is that Adele is signed to SONY Music/Columbia Records, but the lyrics and music rights are signed to Universal Music Rights (UMPG).

Of course, there are different examples, such as last year’s Grammy best songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr. Signed with UMPG.But he is also the co-writer of songs by Omar Apollo, signed to Warner Records, and Harry Styles, signed to SONY/Columbia.

When UMPG’s library no longer licenses TikTok, tracks from Omar Apollo and Harry Styles, if they have anything like Tobias Jesso Jr. Such UMPG authors, in theory, would also have to remove their work from TikTok.

UMG’s Response and Catalog Impact

Universal Music Group (UMG), the parent company of UMPG, boasts a diverse array of artists, including Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste, boygenius, and Ariana Grande. Despite the removal of UMPG content, UMG has yet to respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The removal of UMPG content comes after a prior deal between the music label and TikTok in February 2021, which allowed users to incorporate clips from UMG’s catalogue into their videos. TikTok has indicated that the UMG and UMPG catalogue comprises approximately 20% to 30% of popular songs on the platform, with variations based on geographic regions.