Swift's TikTok Comeback
After a 10-week hiatus due to a licensing dispute with Universal Music Group (UMG), several of Taylor Swift’s songs have made a triumphant return to TikTok. This comeback coincides with the anticipation for Swift’s upcoming studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” set for release on Friday, April 19.
The disagreement between UMG and TikTok resulted in UMG removing all its music from the platform on February 1. This decision impacted not only Swift but also other artists under UMG, including Lady Gaga, Drake, Rihanna, and Ariana Grande.
UMG’s Statement
UMG highlighted three key concerns during their contract renewal negotiations: fair compensation for artists and songwriters, protection of human creativity from potential negative impacts of AI, and the online safety of TikTok’s community.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok countered UMG’s claims, accusing the label of prioritizing their own greed over the interests of their artists and songwriters.
Swift’s Music on TikTok
Currently, Swift’s music available on TikTok includes albums with UMG starting in 2018, such as “Lover,” “Cardigan,” and “Cruel Summer,” as well as her Taylor’s Version re-recordings of older tracks like “Style” and “Shake It Off.”
Swift with Labels
Swift left her original label, Big Machine Records, in 2019 and signed a deal with UMG. This move followed the sale of her first six studio albums by Big Machine Records, led by Scott Borchetta, to Ithaca Holdings, owned by Scooter Braun. In 2020, Braun sold Swift’s masters to Shamrock Holdings for $300 million.
Swift’s Ownership of Her Music
Swift revealed her unsuccessful attempt to buy back her masters and announced her decision to re-record these albums to gain complete ownership of her music. Four of these albums are already out. Under her 2018 agreement with UMG, Swift confirmed that she owns the rights to her recordings and maintains her songwriting rights, giving her control over her work’s distribution.
Artists’ Concerns
Many artists have expressed concerns over TikTok’s inadequate royalty payments and insufficient safeguards against unauthorized use of their music by AI. However, they also fear missing out on a crucial platform for promoting their music due to the ongoing dispute.
