Taylor Swift’s Universal deal brings Drake, Adele, and others back to TikTok

After months of dispute, Hollywood’s top music label Universal Music Group (UMG) and social media giant TikTok have finally reached a new licensing agreement. This deal comes after a standoff that led to the removal of songs from major artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Adele from the platform.

In a joint press release, Universal described the agreement as a “new era of strategic collaboration” aimed at supporting UMG’s artists and songwriters in achieving their creative and commercial potential. TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed the company’s commitment to driving value, discovery, and promotion for UMG’s talented roster.

The two entities are working swiftly to bring back the music of UMG artists and songwriters to TikTok. Notably, some artists like Taylor Swift have already broken the ban, with their music returning to the platform ahead of new releases.

Following the announcement, Universal’s stock saw a positive uptick in early trading. Prior to this agreement, UMG had criticized TikTok for alleged bullying tactics and unfair deal terms, particularly regarding artist compensation, AI protections, and online safety.

As part of the new deal, both companies will explore new monetization opportunities through TikTok’s e-commerce platform and collaborate on campaigns to support UMG’s artists globally. They also plan to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the music industry, ensuring that AI development protects human artistry and the economic interests of artists and songwriters.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in the relationship between UMG and TikTok, paving the way for a more collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership in the future.