No more TikTok tunes for Bad Bunny and other A-list artists

Universal Music Group, which represents artists including Taylor Swift, Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, says that it will no longer allow its music on TikTok now that a licensing deal between the two parties has expired. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

By Mivette Vega

February 1, 2024

Universal Music Group said it doesn’t agree to the terms of the new deal with TikTok. That’s why it plans to stop licensing content from the artists it represents on the social media platform.

Soon you will no longer be able to use Bad Bunny’s music in your TikTok videos.

That’s because Universal Music Group (UMG) will not continue to allow its music on TikTok, after a license deal between the companies expired on Wednesday.

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UMG said it doesn’t agree to the terms of the new deal with TikTok, and that’s why it plans to stop licensing content from the artists it represents to the social media platform.

In addition to Bad Bunny, UMG represents other big artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Adele, and Billie Eilish.

In an open letter addressed to artists and songwriters, UMG said TikTok was trying to “build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.”

UMG said it was pressing TikTok on three issues: “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users,” UMG wrote.

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TikTok responded to UMG’s claims saying it had reached “artist-first” agreements with other labels and publishers.

“Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans,” TikTok answered.

Author

Mivette Vega

Mivette Vega is a seasoned journalist and multimedia reporter whose stories center the Latino community. She is passionate about justice, equality, environmental matters, and animals. She is a Salvadorrican—Salvadorian that grew up in Puerto Rico—that has lived in San Juan, Venice, Italy, and Miami.

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