Taylor Swift, Drake reps bring music back to TikTok with new deal
Music from artists represented by Universal Music Group will return to TikTok after reaching a new licensing deal, the companies announced Wednesday.
Universal, which represents artists including Billie Eilish, Drake and Taylor Swift, pulled their artists' music from TikTok in February after failing to reach a new licensing deal over disputes about monetizing artists and artificial intelligence (AI) protections.
The new agreement, which includes commitments around AI protections, means music from the artists will return to the platform.
Some music from artists under the label, including songs by Taylor Swift, had already returned despite the dispute, Variety reported.
As part of the new agreement, Universal Media Group and TikTok will work together to “realize new monetization opportunities” that use TikTok’s e-commerce capabilities, the companies announced.
Universal Media Group and TikTok will also work together to ensure AI development in the music industry will protect human artists and the flow of money to artists and songwriters.
TikTok will also commit to work with the music label to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform, according to the announcement.
Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grange said in a statement the label looks 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.”
TikTok CEO Shou Chew called music an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem.
“We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotions for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community,” Chew said in a statement.