TikTok VS Universal- Molly N

TikTok VS Universal- Molly N

Mindlessly scrolling through the never ending FYP of TikTok has become a strangely difficult task over the past week. At first I thought it was just me but then other people started commenting that they too were hearing the same four audios again and again and again. Maybe this is just a sign to delete the app as so many people suggest, but I want to ignore that problem for now and find out why this is happening.

After a quick Google, I discovered that TikTok had a fallout with Universal Music Group due to accusations of unfair pay for music rights. This is a problem because Universal represents many famous stars such as Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Adele. While the swifties among you may be distraught over this, yet those who think she is overrated will be glad not to hear her on the app (I don’t dare to take sides!), it means all videos using their songs will have the sound removed.

Universal decided to make a statement outlining how TikTok proposed on paying significantly less than other platforms despite its large profits it earns from them. It then goes on to slash the app for not taking enough efforts towards content issues such as hate speech and bullying. TikTok decided to clap back saying that “it is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters” due to the publicity their app provides.