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A Ton Of Your Fave Songs Were Taken Off Of TikTok — Here’s Why & What It Means

If you’re wondering why a lot of videos on your TikTok FYP have been silent, you’re not alone. 

On Jan. 30, Universal Music Group (UMG) released an open letter accusing TikTok of “offering unsatisfactory payment for music, and of allowing its platform to be ‘flooded with A.I.-generated recordings’ that diluted the royalty pool for real, human musicians” according to the New York Times. As a result of UMG’s accusations, the music corporation has pulled it’s music from TikTok. So, if you’re planning on making a TikTok anytime soon to a Taylor Swift, SZA, or Drake song, you’re going to have to find a new artist. 

UMG is sort of the “It Girl” when it comes to music corporations. Artists signed with UMG include Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Drake, Billie Eilish, and many more. I don’t know about you, but my FYP has been pretty silent ever since this happened, and I’m not the only person who feels this way. 

On Feb. 1, TikTok confirmed that they had removed all music from Universal, resulting in lots of videos having the sounds muted. All it takes is one look at Taylor Swift’s TikTok account to see that all of her music is gone. If you need me, I’ll be in the corner crying. 

TikTok responded to Universal on Jan 30., calling the end of its partnership with UMG “sad and disappointing.” The social media platform added, “Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters. “Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.” Yikes! 

TikTok also explained that this disagreement is unique to Universal. “TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.” The girls are fighting! 

So, what does this mean for the future of TikTok? TBH, I’m not really sure what will happen, but it looks like I’m gonna have to start expanding my music taste. Users on TikTok were quick to share their thoughts about this news, and it looks like the feelings are pretty mutual. 

Alexa, play “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” by Taylor Swift. 

Case and point. 

This is what my account looks like now.

@sstrawberrylemonade

Were you silent or were you silenced? This is so stupid and im super upset about how many of my videos are going to be muted and i cant evn imagine how the editors feel :/ #edits #umg #NOTSLAY

♬ The Maze – Aves🔮

Now this. This is a true tragedy. 

@camgthompson

no official songs but there are still plenty of slow/reverbed edits #umg #universalmusicgroup #lanadelrey #ldr #let

♬ sonido original – lyrsae

What am I supposed to do the next time I want to make a TikTok to “Happiness Is A Butterfly”?

I’m a Gleek forever and always. I guess this means I’ll have to be a Gleek on TikTok a whole lot now. 

Pretty much! 

And RIP to those who watch the edits (me). 

Maybe this just means it’s time for me to start singing on TikTok. But I don’t think that would do me many favors. 

Eileen is a senior at Fairfield University who is studying Communications with minors in English, Professional Writing, and Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies. She has a passion for magazine writing and hopes to pursue a career in the field. Eileen is the Entertainment & Culture Intern at Her Campus where she covers all things pop culture, entertainment, and internet trends. Eileen was formerly a National Writer for Her Campus from April 2023 - January 2024. Eileen is one of the Campus Correspondents (CCs) at Her Campus' Fairfield University chapter. She oversees the entire chapter and works with her other CC to curate ideas and events for HCFU. She also mentors and trains the editorial team and helps create content and boost engagement alongside the social media team. In her free time, you can find Eileen creating new Spotify playlists, getting a sweet treat with friends, or obsessing over Taylor Swift. If she isn’t doing that, you’ll likely find Eileen with her six best friends from school talking about their “Big Three”: "Normal People," their favorite "Dancing With The Stars" performances, and Greta Gerwig's "Little Women."