Taylor Swift fans rejoiced as the singer’s music made a triumphant return to TikTok after a 10-week absence, marking the end of a licensing dispute between the social media platform and Universal Music Group (UMG).
On Thursday, users were delighted to find a plethora of Taylor’s songs, including hits like “The Man” and “Cruel Summer,” available once again on TikTok. The return of Swift’s music library coincided with the anticipation of her upcoming studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” set to release on April 19.
Fans wasted no time in celebrating the return, with many sharing videos of themselves lip-syncing to Swift’s tracks and expressing their excitement over the reinstated access to her music. Some noted that their previous videos featuring Taylor’s songs were no longer muted, adding to the jubilation among her dedicated fanbase.
The hiatus began in February when UMG removed all of Taylor’s songs from TikTok as part of the label’s dispute with the platform. While other artists like Lady Gaga and Drake were also affected, Taylor’s absence was particularly noticeable due to her massive fan following.
UMG cited ongoing contract renewal discussions with TikTok, highlighting three key issues: appropriate compensation for artists and songwriters, protection against the harmful effects of artificial intelligence on human artists, and online safety for TikTok users. However, an agreement was not reached, leading to the decision to pull Taylor’s music from the platform.
In March, while the dispute with TikTok remained unresolved, UMG announced an expanded partnership with Spotify, introducing new promotional tools and initiatives. The move signaled UMG’s commitment to leveraging its catalog on digital platforms while continuing negotiations with TikTok.
The return of Taylor Swift’s music to TikTok not only brings joy to her fans but also signifies a positive step forward in resolving the licensing dispute between UMG and the social media platform. As fans eagerly await the release of Swift’s new album, they can once again enjoy sharing her music on TikTok, reaffirming the enduring popularity of one of music’s biggest stars.
