Universal Music Group has officially pulled songs from TikTok, resulting in the removal of music from major artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, SZA, Rihanna, Adele, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, BTS, Blackpink, J. Cole, Demi Lovato, and Kendrick Lamar, among others

The complete removal of UMG-licensed music will likely take a few days.

This will affect the soundtracks of countless user-generated videos and may lead to a decline in user engagement and the overall TikTok experience.

The move came after Universal Music Group accused TikTok of offering to pay its artists and songwriters “at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that is justified by the massive success of this platform”

 TikTok responded by calling UMG’s claims a “false narrative” created out of “greed”

Since licensing negotiations have failed, this has resulted in the removal of all videos containing music from the label’s artists.

These videos are now muted with a message noting the sound.

TikTok is currently giving users the option to replace the songs in the muted videos with different songs that are not restricted.

Is this a win for Universal Music Group or did they just make a wrong move?

“People that use TikTok don’t care about music and artists. It is all about trends. Hence, the music cartels would be taking a losing fight.” @Alvin31374399

“I don’t think this move from UMG will benefit the record label or the artists! Silencing the artists’ music  from a viable platform like TikTok where most of the Gen Z population consume/discover music is like keeping the artists’ music away from the younger generation.” @DJDaley

“People listen to music before TikTok. If anything I feel like This will be a way for independent artists to shine and it’s an easy way for UMG to scope out new trending talent and sign them” @slzro3

The removal of Universal Music Group’s songs from TikTok will significantly impact users, as a vast roster of popular songs will disappear from the platform.

This may have a lasting impact on the platform’s music library and user experience.