In the protracted contract battle between TikTok and Universal Music Group, a high-profile waiver was made for Taylor Swift. Some of her songs became available again on TikTok Sounds on Thursday, just a week before the release of Swift’s latest album. The Department of Tortured Poets. It is still unclear what kind of arrangement was made for his official music to return or how long he will remain on the social media platform.
Madeline Macrae, a Swift fan and TikTok creator, heard the news Thursday morning and immediately began searching TikTok and Google to confirm it wasn’t a hoax. “I’m really excited to get that catalog back and not have to rely on sped up or edited versions,” he says. “I can use real music from her.” Songs like “Cruel Summer,” “cardigan,” and “Style (Taylor’s Version)” can now be used by content creators on the platform, as well as first reported by Variety.
In addition to being excited about the use of Swift songs in new videos, Macrae is grateful that the pop megastar’s music is potentially not muted in her previous videos on TikTok. “I was going back and forth to remove them or keep them, because they seem kind of dumbed down,” she says. When UMG’s music was initially removed from TikTok’s library in January, many creators were stunned to see their archive of previous videos featuring certain songs go silent overnight.
This means that The Department of Tortured Poets Will the album be available to use in videos on TikTok? It’s uncertain, but Macrae is hopeful: “I think this movement also shows the power of Taylor Swift.” Billie Eilish, another top UMG artist, will soon be promoting her upcoming album, May’s. Hit me hard and softbut Eilish fans will have to wait to see if her music also returns to TikTok before it comes out.
Most UMG artists have been absent from TikTok for nearly 10 weeks, greatly changing the user experience on the social media platform and opening the door for non-UMG artists, like Beyoncé, to join. go viral with the TikTok algorithm.
It still remains a mystery when the long-running contract dispute between TikTok and UMG will be resolved. As one of the largest record companies in the world, UMG’s removal of songs from TikTok has impacted the careers of many established artists, as well as rising stars. Several artists expressed frustration over the move, often citing disrupted marketing plans or decreased audience reach. A UMG spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
No matter what ultimately happens between the two companies, Swifties on TikTok are feeling grateful for the return of their music as they prepare for listening parties to celebrate the new album. “I already know my plans for Friday night,” Macrae says. “Stay with friends, drink some wine and just listen to this album.” Sounds like a night of real social media.