GadgetBond

  • Latest
  • How-to
  • Tech
    • AI
      • Apple Intelligence
      • Gemini AI
      • Google DeepMind
      • Anthropic
      • Claude AI
      • Claude Code
      • OpenAI
      • ChatGPT
      • Codex
      • Perplexity
      • SpaceXAI
      • Grok AI
      • Microsoft Copilot
      • Meta AI
    • Amazon
    • Apple
    • CES
    • Computing
    • Creators
    • Google
    • Meta
    • Microsoft
    • Mobile
    • NVIDIA
    • Samsung
    • Security
    • Smart Home
    • Sony
    • Xbox
    • YouTube
  • Transportation
    • Audi
    • BMW
    • Cadillac
    • E-Bike
    • Ferrari
    • Ford
    • Honda Prelude
    • Lamborghini
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Porsche
    • Rivian
    • Tesla
  • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Streaming
    • Apple TV
    • Disney
    • Hulu
    • Marvel
    • HBO Max
    • Netflix
    • Paramount
    • SHOWTIME
    • Spotify
    • Star Wars
Add GadgetBond as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Font ResizerAa
GadgetBondGadgetBond
  • Latest
  • Tech
  • AI
  • Deals
  • How-to
  • Apps
  • Computing
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Streaming
  • Transportation
Search
  • Latest
  • Deals
  • Buying Guide
  • How-to
  • Tech
    • Amazon
    • Apple
    • CES
    • Computing
    • Creators
    • Google
    • Meta
    • Microsoft
    • Mobile
    • NVIDIA
    • Samsung
    • Security
    • Smart Home
    • Sony
    • Xbox
    • YouTube
  • AI
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Gemini AI
    • Google DeepMind
    • Anthropic
    • Claude AI
    • Claude Code
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Codex
    • Perplexity
    • SpaceXAI
    • Grok AI
    • Microsoft Copilot
    • Meta AI
  • Transportation
    • Audi
    • BMW
    • Cadillac
    • E-Bike
    • Ferrari
    • Ford
    • Lamborghini
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Porsche
    • Rivian
    • Tesla
  • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Streaming
    • Apple TV
    • Disney
    • Hulu
    • Marvel
    • HBO Max
    • Netflix
    • Paramount
    • SHOWTIME
    • Spotify
    • Star Wars
Follow US
BusinessTech

Universal Music pulls catalog from TikTok, citing failed licensing talks

Viral video creators on TikTok face crisis as Universal Music Group exits the platform over failed licensing negotiations with the short-form video app.

By
Shubham Sawarkar
Shubham Sawarkar's avatar
ByShubham Sawarkar
Editor-in-Chief
I’m a tech enthusiast who loves exploring gadgets, trends, and innovations. With certifications in CISCO Routing & Switching and Windows Server Administration, I bring a sharp...
Follow:
- Editor-in-Chief
Jan 26, 2024, 11:00 PM EST
Share
We may get a commission from retail offers. Learn more
Universal Music pulls catalog from TikTok, citing failed licensing talks
Image: Getty Images
SHARE

Universal Music Group (UMG) has removed its extensive music catalog from the popular short-form video app TikTok after the two sides failed to reach a licensing agreement, UMG announced today.

The announcement ends months of negotiations and escalating tensions between the world’s largest record label and one of the fastest-growing social media platforms. UMG, which represents artists including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and The Weeknd, accused TikTok of “bullying” tactics and attempting to secure licensing rights “worth less than the previous deal.”

In an open letter, UMG said TikTok had refused to properly value the music that was helping fuel its rapid expansion.

TikTok hit back in a blog post, arguing that it provided “powerful support” for artists through promotion and that UMG had made unreasonable demands during negotiations. The company said it was disappointed that UMG had mischaracterized the talks.

The removal of UMG’s catalog deals a significant blow to TikTok and its community of viral video creators. No longer having access to chart-topping songs could hamper efforts to produce engaging short videos. For UMG and its musical artists, however, TikTok had accounted for only a small fraction of total revenues.

Still, the high-profile dispute underscores the growing power and influence of social media platforms over the music industry. As TikTok’s user base balloons, music has become central to its identity and success. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has become too big for record labels to ignore when negotiating licensing deals worth billions of dollars.

It remains unclear whether the two technology and entertainment giants will return to the negotiating table or if the music of Swift, Eilish and others will remain indefinitely absent from TikTok. For now, TikTok creators will have to make do without hits from music’s biggest label.


Discover more from GadgetBond

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Most Popular

Lenovo introduces IdeaPad Vibe and IdeaCentre AIO i at IFA 2026
Rivian rolls out RivianOS 2 across its R1 fleet
Samsung unveils flat-front 24-inch washers at IFA 2026
LG unveils Micro RGB evo TVs with TÜV Rheinland color certification
Motorola launches a dazzling new Razr with Swarovski Crystals

Also Read

Black Logitech MX Keypad macro pad lying flat on a desk, with nine illuminated customizable keys displaying app shortcuts and workflow controls.

Logitech MX Keypad is a programmable AI control center for developers

A woman wearing the Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones in Platinum Silver outdoors against a blue sky.

The WH-1000XM4C is Sony’s unexpected headphone comeback

Glowing white Apple logo centered on a blue background with soft circular light rings.

How to watch Apple’s September 9 iPhone event

Glowing white Apple logo centered on a blue background with soft circular light rings.

Apple September 9 event: what to expect

Close-up of a laptop displaying colorful programming code in a dark-themed code editor, with the illuminated keyboard visible in the foreground.

Interop 2027 calls on developers to shape the web platform

Amazon Prime for Young Adults graphic promoting 5% cash back for college, with Prime branding on a blue background and a limited-time offer message.

Prime for Young Adults adds 5% cash back on move-in essentials

Spider Noir nore still

Spider-Noir ends after one season on Prime Video

Samsung Bespoke AI washer and dryer set installed in a modern minimalist kitchen, with a neutral-toned living room visible in the background.

Samsung introduces new 10kg and 13kg Bespoke AI washers at IFA 2026

Company Info
  • Homepage
  • Support my work
  • Latest stories
  • Company updates
  • GDB Recommends
  • Daily newsletters
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Write for us
  • Editorial guidelines
Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Security Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Socials
Follow US

Disclosure: We love the products we feature and hope you’ll love them too. If you purchase through a link on our site, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Read our ethics statement. Please note that pricing and availability are subject to change.

Copyright © 2026 GadgetBond. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information.