TikTok content creators have started to create their own renditions of popular songs after UMG pulled their artists from the platform following failed negotiations.
The social media world was tipped upside down last week as Universal Music Group pulled its catalog of music from TikTok. Unfortunately, that means no more trends set to the likes of Taylor Swift, Drake, or Murder on the Dancefloor!
TikTok is now creating its own vibe
Since the announcement was made on January 30, many fans have wondered what the future of the platform would look like without some of the biggest recording artists. Dedicated fan pages were understandably hit the worst as they can no longer use tracks from their favorite musicians.
But Tiktok endures and creators have started to jokingly put together their own covers of the biggest losses. Controversial influencer Trisha Paytas covered a plethora of her favorite tunes, gaining thousands of likes.
“Umg removed all their songs from TikTok so here are my covers to replace your sounds with,” she told her 9.1 million followers before belting out Troye Sivan. She also covered Drake, One Direction, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Other creators like Average Tyler also took the comedy root, with him covering his version of Nicki Minaj’s FTCU. Some TikTokers have thoughtfully covered popular songs, no doubt hoping to replace the greats at the top of the sound charts, while smaller artists have also taken the opportunity to gain some traction.
Replying to @Ashley FTCU (Tyler’s version) #fyp
While it’s yet to be seen whether any of the influencer sounds will become the new standard, UMG’s decision has left an obvious hole in TikTok’s platform.
What happened to UMG music on TikTok?
Universal Music Group and TikTok had a contractual agreement which expired on January 31. Unfortunately, they were not able to reach an agreement so the music management company penned an open letter the day before to announce the separation.
UMG explained: “The terms of our relationship with TikTok are set by contract, which expires January 31, 2024. In our contract renewal discussions, we have been pressing them on three critical issues—appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”
the full cover was released independently so you can find it on all platforms! (and on TikTok) 💕☁️ #katyperry #teenagedream #the1975 #cover #indie #indiepop #pop #popmusic #singer #umg #universal
“Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music,” they added.
The lengthy letter concluded by accusing the social media platform of “intimidation and threats” that did not “cause us to shirk those responsibilities.”
TikTok hits back at UMG
In a conversation with USA TODAY, TikTok hit back at UMG’s claims while also arguing that they were motivated by greed.
in case taylor swift’s music gets removed, here’s my cover for u to use as a sound in ur videos hahaha✋🏼😌
They said: “It is sad and disappointing that 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.
“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.”
