Universal signs TikTok deal allowing artists back on platform | Universal Music

TikTok and Universal music The group has reached a deal that will allow songs and artists from its labels, including Olivia Rodrigo and Drake, to return to the platform.

The biggest music company in the world started pulling content from TikTok in February after falling out with TikTok over issues including artist fees and the video-sharing app’s use of AI-generated music.

In a joint statement Thursday, the companies said they were working “expeditiously” to return music from the label’s artists to TikTok. The deal promises to address concerns about generative AI — technology that produces highly persuasive audio, images and text from simple hand-typed prompts — with TikTok saying it will work with Universal to remove unauthorized AI-generated content.

“TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure that AI developments in the music industry protect human artistry and the economy that flows to these artists and songwriters,” the companies said.

One of the earliest examples of AI-generated deep fake music features two Universal artists, Drake and the Weeknd, and is called Heart on My Sleeve. Released last April, was pulled by TikTok, Spotify and YouTubewith Universal warning at the time that unapproved AI-generated music “denies artists their due compensation.”

The companies said the deal would deliver improved pay terms for Universal’s artists, provide new promotional opportunities for records and songs, and introduce “industry-leading protections” for AI.

TikTok has become a vital channel for the music industry, with a quarter of US users saying they listen to songs they’ve heard on TikTok. TikTok is where 16- to 19-year-olds in the U.S. most often discover music, ahead of YouTube and music streaming services like Spotify, according to MIDiA Research.

Taylor Swift, Universal Artist, has already allowed his music to return to TikTok because she owns the copyright to her work through a 2018 deal that gives her control over where her songs are available.

Sir Lucian Grange, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music Group, said in a statement: “This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the well-being of the creative community.”

Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, said: “Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem and we are pleased to have found a way forward with Universal Music Group.”