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The musical stalemate between TikTok and Universal Music Group appears to be thawing, as some of Taylor Swift’s songs have returned to the popular video platform. This reconciliation comes shortly before Swift’s impending album release in mid-April titled “The Tortured Poets Department”.
The licensing feud between the two entities led UMG to pull all of its music catalog from TikTok on February 1st. This blackout notably affected a huge roster of stars under the label including Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Rihanna, and Ariana Grande.
UMG cited concerns over “appropriate compensation, protecting artists, and online safety” as reasons for the standoff. However, the lack of an agreement resulted in the temporary digital disappearance of its music. TikTok denied UMG’s claims, countering that the company was prioritizing “greed over artists.”
It seems an initial thaw has occurred, as select Swift tracks from her UMG years like “Lover”, “Cardigan”, and “Cruel Summer” have returned. Additionally, her re-recorded versions of past hits are also back online. Through ownership of her master recordings and songwriting, Swift maintains control over her artistic property.
While several creators have aired qualms about pay and AI handling on TikTok, many also worry about missing viral moments by abstaining from the platform during disputes. It remains to be seen if this represents a longer resolution between the mega-labels, or just a temporary ceasefire before negotiations resume in earnest. The situation highlights ongoing financial and legal complexities around social media and the music industry.
