UMG & TikTok Come To New Licensing Agreement

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Following their negotiation difficulties earlier this year, Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have come to a new multi-dimensional licensing agreement developed to deliver significant benefits for the music powerhouse’s international array of artists, songwriters and labels, and return their music to the popular social media platform’s global community of over a billion users.

The joint agreement marks a new era of strategic collaboration between the two organizations, built on a shared commitment to help UMG’s artists and songwriters reach their creative and commercial potential. By harnessing TikTok’s technology, marketing and promotional capabilities, they aim to deliver improved remuneration for corporation’s creators, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings, songs and protections with respect to generative artificial intelligence (AI). UMG and TikTok are also working to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform as well as improve artist and songwriter attribution.

As TikTok continues its quest to invest resources into building artist-centric tools, elements such as the Add to Music App feature, enhanced data and analytics and integrated ticketing abilities seek to benefit creators, both financially and in building their global fanbases using the platform’s scale and engaged community, while strengthening online safety protections for artists and their fans.

Additionally, the organizations will work together to realize new monetization opportunities utilizing TikTok’s growing e-commerce skills as well as on campaigns supporting UMG’s roster across genres and territories worldwide.

“This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community,” says Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG Chairman & CEO. “We look forward to collaborating with the team at TikTok to further the interests of our artists and songwriters and drive innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”

“Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem, and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group,” shares Shou Chew, TikTok CEO. “We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”

UMG and TikTok are currently working to return the music of UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters to the platform.

Liza Anderson
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