'End of an era': Internet worried as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and major music artists may exit TikTok over Universal's failed negotiations

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A seismic shift may hit TikTok as early as Wednesday, January 31, that could transform the platform's musical landscape.

In a surprise announcement, Universal Music Group (UMG) has warned it will revoke licensing rights that allow TikTok to host songs from its massive catalog of artists—everyone from pop juggernauts like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez to rising stars like Olivia Rodrigo.

UMG accused TikTok of bullying negotiating tactics and refusing to adequately compensate artists. If the two entertainment giants fail to reach a deal amid last-ditch licensing talks, TikTok faces the removal of music from Billie Eilish, SZA, Drake, and countless other popular musicians who supply the soundtrack for its viral videos, as per Rolling Stone.

Universal Music Group accuses TikTok of bad-faith negotiations and bullying tactics

UMG has warned that it may remove its expansive catalog of music from TikTok starting tomorrow if the social media platform cannot reach an agreement over a new licensing contract.

In an inflammatory open letter posted online, UMG accused TikTok of employing bullying tactics and attempting to secure licensing rights to UMG's music for a "fraction of the rate" compared to similar social media platforms.

The letter states that TikTok currently accounts for only around 1% of UMG's total revenue despite TikTok's massive user base and increasing revenues. UMG argues this shows how little TikTok currently compensates artists, songwriters, and music rights holders compared to the value it extracts from music.

"Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music," the letter reads. It goes on to allege TikTok responded to initial licensing negotiations by "selectively removing the music of certain of our developing artists while keeping on the platform our audience-driving global stars" in an attempt to intimidate UMG into accepting an unfair deal.

Loss of UMG's catalog could fundamentally damage TikTok's music-centric ecosystem

The lack of a licensing agreement would have massive implications across TikTok's music ecosystem. UMG's catalog includes hugely popular artists on TikTok like Swift, Eilish, Gomez, and Rodrigo. The viral sounds and trends that have made TikTok such a cultural force are fueled by major-label artists like these.

TikTok has become the most influential tool for music discovery and viral hits in recent years. Massive hits like Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' first took off on TikTok before conquering the Billboard charts. For breaking new artists and resuscitating old hits alike, TikTok's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated.

The loss of UMG's catalog of stars and emerging artists could fundamentally damage the entertaining, music-centric experience TikTok has crafted. Fans would lose access to the official sounds and hits they have used to create dances, memes, lip-syncs, and more that define TikTok culture.

Internet worried over potential exits of major music artists from TikTok

The internet was ablaze with reactions as news broke about the potential exits of major music artists from TikTok.

One X user voiced the concern of many, lamenting, "That's literally all of TikTok's sounds. Y'all going back to listening to Gayle." Another took a more business-focused approach, stating, "Terrible business decision lol. TikTok is free advertising."

The announcement struck a chord with fans, especially those devoted to specific artists. A distressed third user expressed, "NOOO! not SZA. This is BAD."

Reflecting on the broader impact, another person observed, "This is really gonna show who's relying on TikTok."

The potential departure of renowned artists was seen as a significant blow to TikTok's music scene. One user remarked, "Oh, these are all the huge artists with huge TikTok sounds… TikTok music taking a huge hit."

The sentiment was summed up succinctly by another user who declared, "End of an era."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.