Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have recently announced a new multi-dimensional licensing agreement to safeguard all UMG’s artists, songwriters and labels from AI music generators, and restore their music to TikTok. 

‘’This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community,” Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, stated in the announcement.

Under this joint agreement, all unauthorised AI-generated music will be removed from the platform. Additionally, artists will be provided with new monetisation opportunities and global campaigns, utilising TikTok’s growing e-commerce capabilities. As part of the deal, TikTok will also build new artist-centric tools, similar to the ‘Add To Music App’, to assist artists in maximising their presence on the platform, and support them both financially and in building their global fanbases.

“We will work together to make sure that AI tools are developed responsibly to enable a new era of musical creativity and fan engagement while protecting human creativity,” Ole Obermann, TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development, added.

The deal is part of a larger strategy between the two organisations to help Universal artists and songwriters achieve their creative and commercial potential by harnessing TikTok’s technology, marketing and promotional capabilities.