TikTok and Universal Music renew deal to tackle AI music challenges
TikTok annd UMG have signed a new licensing deal that vows to strengthen protections against unauthorised AI music.
TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced a new multi-year licensing agreement, renewing their partnership with a stronger commitment to tackling unauthorised AI-generated music on the platform.
The renewed partnership means TikTok users will continue to have access to UMG’s extensive music catalogue. However, one of the most important parts of the deal focuses on AI and how music platforms manage AI-generated content.
As part of the agreement, TikTok and UMG have committed to removing unauthorised AI-generated music from the platform and improving artist and songwriter attribution. In the announcement, the companies said the agreement “extends TikTok and UMG’s groundbreaking commitment to AI protections that promote human artistry and ensure platform economics effectively flow through to artists and songwriters. TikTok and UMG will work together to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform, while further improving artist and songwriter attribution.”
The new agreement also signals a notable shift in the relationship between TikTok and UMG. As TechCrunch notes, back in 2024, tensions between the companies escalated when UMG criticised TikTok’s approach to AI content and copyright protection. The dispute led to UMG temporarily removing its music catalogue from the platform, highlighting just how important licensing agreements have become for social media platforms built around music discovery.
Now, both companies appear focused on deeper collaboration. The deal includes plans for expanded marketing and advertising opportunities, stronger fan engagement experiences, ecommerce tools, and artist development initiatives. According to TikTok and UMG, the partnership will also help spotlight emerging talent and strengthen connections between artists and audiences worldwide.
Michael Nash, Executive Vice-President and Chief Digital Officer at UMG, said, “We’re proud of the pioneering work we’ve done with TikTok to create wide-ranging benefits for our artists and songwriters. With this new agreement, we look forward to driving innovative new fan experiences, while further improving social media monetization, and protecting and amplifying human artistry.”
TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development, Tracy Gardner, added, “We’re excited to take our partnership with UMG to the next level, and build on the strong foundation we’ve already created together for artists, songwriters and fans.”
The agreement highlights some of the biggest issues facing the music business today, including AI governance, creator rights, and platform responsibility. Alongside these efforts, TikTok has been building its music ecosystem through tools like TikTok for Artists, designed to provide promotional insights and data for music campaigns.
Rather than treating AI as a future challenge, TikTok and UMG are building it directly into their commercial relationship. The agreement combines licensing, platform growth, and AI safeguards in one framework – a model that could influence how streaming services, social platforms, and music companies structure similar deals going forward.