Universal Music Group and TikTok: A New Dimension in Music Licensing and AI Protection

Introduction

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music-based entertainment company, has announced an exciting new multi-dimensional licensing agreement with TikTok. This collaboration aims to enhance the experience for both parties, delivering significant benefits for UMG's global talent, songwriters, and labels, while ensuring the music community reaps the rewards of their creative endeavors.

The New Licensing Agreement

This joint agreement marks a new era of strategic collaboration between Universal Music Group and TikTok, built on a shared commitment to help UMG's artists and songwriters achieve their full potential. TikTok, with its cutting-edge technology, marketing, and promotional capabilities, will work hand in hand with UMG to provide improved remuneration for songwriters and artists, new promotional opportunities for their recordings, and industry-leading protections against generative AI.

Sir Lucian Grainge's Vision

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, expresses his enthusiasm for the new partnership, saying:

"This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, prioritizing human artistry, and the well-being of the creative community. We look forward to collaborating with the TikTok team to further the interests of our artists and songwriters, driving innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”

Shou Chew's Perspective

Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, also highlights the importance of this collaboration:

"Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem. We are delighted to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group. We are committed to working together to drive value discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and to deepen their ability to grow, connect, and engage with the TikTok community.”

Benefits for Fans and Artists

Fans on TikTok can look forward to the return of UMG's recorded music and publishing catalogs, along with the ability to use music from some of the world's biggest and emerging artists to create engaging videos. This collaboration will offer new monetization opportunities, leveraging TikTok's growing e-commerce capabilities, and support campaigns for UMG's artists across all genres and territories globally.

Artist-Centric Tools

TikTok will continue to invest significant resources into developing artist-centric tools that will help UMG artists realize their full potential on the platform. These tools will include:

Add to Music App: Enhancing artists' ability to monetize their music directly from TikTok. Enhanced Data and Analytics: Providing detailed insights to help artists refine their content and marketing strategies. Integrated Ticketing Capabilities: Facilitating easier ticket sales for concerts and events, building global fanbases, and reinforcing online safety protections.

These tools will benefit both the financial growth and the global fanbase of UMG artists, leveraging TikTok's scale and engagement community.

AI Protection and Removal

The agreement also focuses on AI development protections. TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure that AI developments in the music industry protect human artistry and the economic benefits flowing to artists and songwriters. TikTok is committed to removing unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform and providing tools for improved artist and songwriter attribution.

By fostering a collaborative environment, UMG and TikTok aim to strike a balance between technological advancement and the preservation of human artistic value. This partnership signals a new phase of innovation in the music industry, promising to enhance the experience for artists, fans, and the broader music community.