The decision by UMG has led to a significant number of user-submitted videos on TikTok being muted. This move is seen as a significant development in the use of generative AI online, with record labels already battling songs that used deepfaked voices of artists. TikTok has responded to UMG's decision by accusing the label of prioritizing its own interests over those of its artists and songwriters. The impact of UMG's decision remains to be seen.
Key takeaways:
- Universal Music Group has removed its catalogs from TikTok, including music from popular artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Olivia Rodrigo, due to concerns over artificial intelligence, online safety, and artist compensation.
- The label's statement highlighted that despite TikTok's large user base and increasing revenue, it only accounts for about one percent of UMG's total revenue.
- Existing TikToks that use UMG music will be muted, and the music tab on the artists' official accounts has been replaced with a message stating the music is currently unavailable.
- TikTok responded to UMG's decision by calling it 'sad and disappointing,' accusing the label of prioritizing their own greed over the interests of their artists and songwriters.