Look Around Everybody on Mute: TikTok Goes Deaf

UMG records is the biggest music label in the world that supports a bulk of the biggest artists globally like those aforementioned.
UMG cited a lack of compensation for their artist as the reason for the fallout from TikTok and the eventual removal of their artist from the platform. However, TikTok has a different perspective on the story stating, “It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.” They would also add,”TikTok has been able to reach artist-first agreements with every other label and publisher. Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans.”
Autecia Wills, a Freshman in Social Work voiced her opinion saying, “ It’s very stupid. If you’re using someone’s sound or song, you should pay them.” Dr.Bonny McDonald, an assistant professor in the Speech and Theatre department, also shared her thoughts on the matter saying, “I think it’s important to respect the artist’s prerogatives.”
There are some people who do support TikTok’s decision to not go through with the negotiations. One is Jamarion Bell, a freshman majoring in Mechanical engineering. When sharing his opinion with us, he said “I feel like UMG isn’t telling the whole truth about the negotiation. [They] Probably wanted more money.”
As a result of the changes, a lot of users viral videos using certain sounds or song lyrics, have been removed by the app, essentially changing the framework of the platform and some influencers’ content.Artists and fans hope that in the near future UMG can renegotiate their contract with TikTok in favor of letting their music be heard openly on the platform.