Following the UMG-TikTok dispute, Taylor Swift’s music returns to the app right before the release of her new album 'The Tortured Poets Department', but no one is sure just for how long
During the protracted contract dispute between TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG), an exceptional arrangement has been made for Taylor Swift.
As reported by Wired, some of her songs have once again become available as TikTok sounds, just a week ahead of the release of her latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department." The details of the arrangement and how long her official music will remain on the platform are still unclear.
Swift fans and TikTok creators, like Madeline Macrae, were thrilled by the news. Macrae immediately searched TikTok and Google to confirm its authenticity and expressed her excitement about having access to Swift's catalog of music. This means she no longer has to rely on sped-up or edited versions but can use the artist's original tracks. Songs like "Cruel Summer," "Cardigan," and "Style (Taylor's Version)" are now available for content creators on TikTok, as reported by Variety.
In addition to the prospect of using Swift's songs in new videos, Macrae is grateful for the possibility that the pop star's music may be unmuted in her previous TikTok videos. When UMG's music was initially removed from TikTok's library in January, many creators were surprised to find their past videos with certain songs suddenly silent. This development offers the potential to restore the audio to their archived content.
While Taylor Swift's songs have made a return to TikTok, it is unclear whether her upcoming album will be available for use in videos on the platform. Macrae remains hopeful that Swift's music will continue to be accessible on TikTok. However, it's uncertain if the same arrangement will be made for other UMG artists like Billie Eilish, who is set to release her album "Hit Me Hard and Soft" in May.
The absence of UMG artists from TikTok for nearly 10 weeks has significantly impacted the user experience on the platform. This absence has allowed non-UMG artists, such as Beyoncé, to gain popularity and go viral through TikTok's algorithm.
The resolution of the ongoing contract dispute between TikTok and UMG remains unknown. The absence of UMG songs on TikTok has affected the careers of established and emerging artists alike, leading to frustration among many musicians. Artists have raised concerns about disrupted marketing plans and reduced audience reach. At the time of this response, a spokesperson for UMG had not provided a comment regarding the matter.
Regardless of the outcome of the dispute, Taylor Swift's fans on TikTok are grateful for the return of her music as they eagerly anticipate the release of her new album. Swifties are preparing for listening parties to celebrate the album, looking forward to enjoying the music with friends.
