TikTok and Universal Music Group Dispute: Songs by BTS, BLACKPINK, TXT, TWICE, Taylor Swift, and More Pulled From the Platform

Starting now, TikTok has implemented a ban on music from popular artists like BTS, BLACKPINK, TXT, TWICE, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, Taylor Swift, and more.

According to reports from foreign media outlets like the New York Times and BBC, TikTok and Universal Music Group failed to reach an agreement, resulting in the suspension of Universal’s copyrighted music on TikTok.

When the licensing negotiations fell through, TikTok took action by muting any existing videos that featured music from artists under Universal Music.

Universal Music manages music licenses for more amazing artists like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Drake, in addition to BTS, BLACKPINK, and Taylor Swift. Many Kpop artists who are affected by Universal Music Group removing their music from TikTok. 

Some of these artists include BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Stray Kids, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, BIGBANG, ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, IU, IZ*ONE, NCT, SEVENTEEN, ZEROBASEONE, Girls Generation, STAYC, Jeon Somi, SHINee, BTOB, Kep1er, Wonder Girls, Super Junior, and Everglow.

Despite having over 1 billion users, TikTok only contributes to 1% of UMG’s overall revenue. 

Things are getting pretty intense between TikTok and Universal Music. TikTok is being accused of trying to build a music-based business without paying fair value for the music, according to Universal. 

On the other hand, TikTok is claiming that Universal Music is prioritizing its own greed over the interests of the singers.