TikTok, UMG Fallout Opens Door for Indie Artists

By Joshua Fitzhugh
Spectrum Staff Writer

With Universal Music Group's recent departure from TikTok, there is a massive music distribution void for creators. If you're unaware, UMG houses some of the biggest names in the music business like Drake, Bad Bunny, Sza, Adele, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and others. They have all been erased from TikTok as of Jan. 31 due to a contractual dispute where both sides claim two different stories as to why the deal fell through.

TikTok claims that it is due to UMG being greedy, and UMG claims it is due to how the app is spinning out of control due to AI, hate speech and revenue-sharing practices that are unfair to artists. Unfortunately, the truth may never be known. However, this could be a huge opportunity for independent artists to exploit.

Tiktok has been a platform where thousands of creators and artists have seen massive success from using the app like, Muni Long whose song, “Made For Me,” blew up on TikTok, but due to her being under UMG, the song has been removed.

Another artist, Sofaygo, who’s song, “Knock Knock,” exploded on Tiktok in 2021 after being out for a year. He would go on to sign to Travis Scott’s label, Cactus Jack.

Now that the big guns have been removed, there is a plethora of new talent that can now be found.