TikTok and Universal Music Group are caught in a bitter dispute over payment for artists, with the popular video-sharing platform now removing songs published by Universal Music.
The conflict escalated when Universal Music accused TikTok of trying to build a music-centric business without fairly compensating artists. Universal claimed that TikTok’s proposed payment rates were significantly lower than those of other major social platforms, despite TikTok’s growing popularity.
In response, TikTok accused Universal of prioritizing its own financial interests over those of artists and songwriters. The platform highlighted that it had reached agreements with every other label and publisher, while Universal’s actions seemed self-serving.
As the feud intensifies, TikTok has started removing songs from Universal Music from its platform. Additionally, videos featuring songs by Universal artists have been muted in a further sign of the escalating tensions between the two parties.
Meanwhile, Cormac Keenan, an influential Irish executive at TikTok, has announced that he will be stepping back from his role as head of global trust and safety. Despite this change in leadership, TikTok remains committed to its operations in Dublin, where thousands of employees are moving into a new office space.
The disagreement between TikTok and Universal Music highlights the complexities of payment negotiations in the music industry and the challenges faced by platforms seeking to balance the interests of artists, labels, and users. As the situation continues to evolve, both parties will need to find common ground to ensure a fair and sustainable relationship moving forward.
