Taylor Swift has been granted a high-profile exemption in the long-running contract dispute between TikTok and Universal Music Group. On Thursday, just a week before the release of Swift's latest album, several of her songs became available again as TikTok sounds. tortured poet section. It is still unclear what arrangements have been made for the return of her official music and how long it will remain on social media platforms.
Swift fan and TikTok creator Madeline McRae heard the news on Thursday morning and immediately started searching on TikTok and Google to make sure it wasn't a hoax. “I'm really excited to have that catalog back. We don't have to rely on sped-up or edited versions,” she says. “Just use her actual music.” As first reported, songs like “Cruel Summer,” “cardigan,” and “Style (Taylor's Version)” were created by content creators on the platform. Now available for use. variety.
In addition to being excited about using Swift's songs in the new video, McRae is also grateful that the pop star's music could be unmuted in past videos on TikTok. “They just seem kind of silly and muted, so I was going back and forth between deleting them and keeping them,” she says. When UMG's music was first removed from TikTok's library in January, many creators were stunned to see their archives of past videos containing specific songs go silent overnight.
Does that mean? tortured poet section Will the album be available for use in TikTok videos? That's uncertain, but McRae is hopeful, saying, “I think this move also shows the power of Taylor Swift.” Billie Eilish, another major UMG artist, will soon be promoting her next album, May's. hit me hard and softHowever, Eilish's fans will have to wait to see if her music also returns to TikTok before it is deleted.
Most UMG artists have been away from TikTok for nearly 10 weeks, significantly changing the user experience on the social media platform and paving the way for non-UMG artists like Beyoncé to go viral with TikTok's algorithm.
When the long-standing contract dispute between TikTok and UMG will be resolved remains a mystery. He is one of the biggest record companies in the world.His UMG removed songs from his TikTok, which affected the careers of many prominent and up-and-coming artists. Multiple artists expressed dissatisfaction with the move, often citing disruption to marketing plans and declining viewership. A UMG spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
Regardless of what ultimately happens between the two companies, TikTok Swifties are grateful to have her music back as they prepare for a listening party to celebrate her new album. “We already have plans for Friday night,” McRae says. “I'm staying over at a friend's house, drinking wine, and just listening to this album.” Sounds like a real social media night.
