Trends
TikTok removing Universal Music content after deal in deadlock
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 …
Headline
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…
Context
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. Also read: XRP is TikTok’s most recommended crypto according to new study
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
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.
Key Points
- 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.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
