Taylor Swift’s Songs Return to TikTok Following Licensing Dispute
Update: 11th April 2024
Updated 8 hours ago
Returning Ahead of “The Tortured Poets Department” Album Release
Taylor Swift’s songs, previously unavailable on TikTok due to a licensing dispute, are now back on the popular social media platform. This development comes just in time for the highly anticipated release of her upcoming album “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Background: Universal Music’s Licensing Dispute
Universal Music, the label representing artists like Rihanna and Ariana Grande, had removed its content from TikTok in January, citing a licensing dispute. This action affected numerous artists, leading to concerns regarding fair compensation for their work.
Taylor Swift’s Return Signals Individual Copyright Ownership
While many songs, including the fan-favorites “You Belong With Me” and “Cruel Summer,” reappeared on TikTok, music from Universal’s other artists continues to be absent. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that Taylor Swift, under a 2018 agreement with Universal, owns the copyright to her music. There are speculations that Swift may have reached a separate deal with TikTok.
The Delight of “Swifties”
Fans of Taylor Swift, lovingly known as “Swifties,” expressed their joy and excitement upon the return of her music on TikTok. Verified user Jessica Golich wrote, “OMG this made my whole year,” eagerly looking forward to exploring Swift’s new album. Other enthusiasts, like Divendra Rai, celebrated the return by uploading lip-sync videos and expressing their warm welcome for Taylor Swift.
Universal’s Concerns and AI-Generated Songs
In an open letter published on January 30th, Universal expressed concern over TikTok’s perceived undervaluation of music. Additionally, they voiced worries about fair compensation for artists, especially regarding the circulation of AI-generated songs that closely resemble the sound of real artists, provoking significant interest and swift viral exposure.
Upcoming Album and Future Developments
Taylor Swift made the official announcement of her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” during her 13th Grammy acceptance speech. The album, scheduled for release on 19th April, holds great anticipation among fans worldwide.
The BBC’s Inquiries
The BBC has made efforts to contact both Universal Music and TikTok for their comments regarding this matter.
