Universal Music Group and TikTok have announced a renewed licensing agreement that includes stronger measures to remove unauthorised AI-generated music and improve artist attribution across the platform.
In a joint statement, the companies said the agreement expands their commitment to AI-related protections that support human creativity while ensuring artists and songwriters receive proper recognition and compensation. Under the new arrangement, TikTok and UMG will work together to identify and remove unlicensed AI-generated songs while also enhancing the display of artist and songwriter credits.
The deal marks an important shift in the relationship between the two companies following tensions that escalated in 2024. At the time, UMG publicly criticised TikTok over concerns involving copyright enforcement and AI-generated content. The dispute eventually led UMG to temporarily remove its music catalogue from TikTok, causing many popular songs to disappear from videos across the platform.
The renewed partnership arrives as the music industry continues to grapple with the rapid rise of AI-generated music. In recent years, AI tools capable of imitating famous artists’ voices or generating realistic counterfeit songs have become a growing concern for record labels and rights holders. Viral AI-generated tracks imitating artists such as Drake and The Weeknd attracted millions of streams before being removed, intensifying debates around copyright, artist consent, and platform responsibility.
Industry observers believe the agreement between TikTok and UMG could serve as a model for how technology platforms navigate the intersection of artificial intelligence, intellectual property rights, and content moderation. Regulatory pressure surrounding AI-generated media is also increasing globally, particularly in Europe, where lawmakers are introducing stricter oversight around synthetic content and digital transparency.
TikTok has also been working to strengthen its relationship with the music industry by demonstrating its ability to deliver value to artists and labels. Last year, the company introduced “TikTok for Artists,” a platform designed to provide musicians and music companies with promotional tools, audience insights, and performance data.
The latest agreement signals that both companies are seeking a more collaborative approach as AI-generated content continues to reshape the digital music landscape.
