TikTok gets Tay and Billie back with new UMG content licensing deal – TechCrunch

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TikTok users can once again create music videos using songs from UMG’s catalog, a list featuring some of the biggest names in music today: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. Indeed, after months of fighting, the social media platform and Universal Music Group (UMG) have finally reached a truce with a new content licensing agreement. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal.

The move comes at a critical time for the company. TikTok faces new threats of bans in key markets, including the United States. It is therefore important not only to strengthen its content, but also to strengthen its profile with the consumers that TikTok relies on to rally around. Although the company has decided to fight the threat of a US ban in court, it could benefit from positive news like this.

The catalog will be available for video creation in a week or two. This also means that existing videos using UMG music, which had been disabled, will be reinstated once the catalog is available.

“TikTok fans can expect the return of UMG’s recorded music and publishing catalogs and once again enjoy creating videos using music from some of the world’s biggest artists and songwriters as well as exciting emerging talents,” TikTok said in a post.

The deal comes after a selection of Taylor Swift’s music returned to TikTok last month – largely because she owns the masters to some of her albums.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew said the company was happy to have “found a way forward” with UMG after their dispute.

“Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group. We are committed to working together to create value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s incredible artists and songwriters and deepening their ability to grow, connect and engage with the community TikTok,” he said.

Earlier this year, UMG pulled its catalog from the short-video platform after refusing to renew its deal with TikTok. In addition, UMG signed a new agreement with Spotify for music videos.