In a landmark move for music and social media, Universal Music Group and TikTok have inked a “multi-dimensional licensing agreement” that brings an end to a three-month hiatus of UMG’s music on the platform. This new deal not only restores the presence of global superstars like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Lady Gaga on TikTok but also promises enhanced payments and promotional opportunities for UMG’s artists and songwriters.
Highlighting the deal’s focus on “the value of music and the primacy of human artistry,” UMG CEO Lucian Grainge emphasized that the agreement also includes pioneering protections against the use of their music in generative AI contexts. This reinvigorated partnership aims to uphold the welfare of the creative community while ensuring that music continues to play a pivotal role in TikTok’s dynamic environment.