Following months of disagreements over pay, Universal Music Group and TikTok finally reached a resolution. The two companies brokered a new licensing agreement on Wednesday, which will allow Universal’s family of artists, songwriters and labels to return to the social media giant.
The feud began in late January, when the companies failed to agree on a renewed licensing deal. The result was the removal of thousands of UMG-owned songs from TikTok, leaving viral content to become soundless.
The new deal offers better compensation for UMG’s artists, and will also include “new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs and industry-leading protections with respect to generative AI,” according to the music corporation in a statement.
More specifically, the companies will collaborate to develop AI tools that “protect human artistry,” with plans to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from TikTok, as well as launch tools with the intention to improve artist and songwriter attribution on the platform.
They will also work together to find new opportunities for artists to monetize their music using TikTok’s e-commerce capabilities, as well as develop campaigns that support the artists across genres and territories, according to UMG.
TikTok will also continue to invest in building artist-centric tools, such as its “Add to Music App,” as well as further integrate the ability to purchase show tickets.
“Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group,” said Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok. “We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”