In the protracted contract dispute between TikTok and Universal Music Group, a high-profile exemption was granted for Taylor Swift. Some of her songs became available again as TikTok Sounds on Thursday, just a week before the release of Swift’s latest album. The Tortured Poets Department. It remains unclear what arrangements have been made for her official music to return or how long she will remain on the social media platform.
Madeline Macrae, a Swift fan and TikTok creator, heard the news on Thursday morning and immediately began searching TikTok and Google to confirm it wasn’t a hoax. “I’m really excited to have this catalog back and not have to rely on sped-up or edited versions,” she says. “I can just use their real music.” Songs like “Cruel Summer,” “Cardigan,” and “Style (Taylor’s Version)” can now be used by content creators on the platform, as first reported by diversity.
In addition to being excited about the use of Swift songs in new videos, Macrae is also grateful that the pop megastar’s music may not be muted for her previous videos on TikTok. “I kept thinking about deleting them or keeping them because they look kind of silly and muted,” she says. When UMG’s music was first removed from the TikTok library in January, many YouTubers were stunned when their archive of previous videos containing certain songs went silent overnight.
Does that mean that? The Tortured Poets Department Which album can be used for videos on TikTok? It’s uncertain, but Macrae is hopeful: “I think this move also just shows the strength of Taylor Swift.” Billie Eilish, another major UMG artist, will soon be promoting her upcoming album May’s Hit me hard and softbut Eilish fans will have to wait and see if her music returns to TikTok before it’s released.
Most UMG artists have been absent from TikTok for almost 10 weeks, which has greatly changed the user experience on the social media platform and opened the door for non-UMG artists like Beyoncé to go viral using TikTok’s algorithm.
It remains a mystery when the long-standing 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 with the move, often citing disrupted marketing plans or reduced audience reach. A UMG spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
No matter what ultimately happens between the two companies, Swifties on TikTok are grateful for the return of their music as they prepare for listening parties to celebrate the new album. “I already know my Friday night plans,” Macrae says. “Being with friends, drinking some wine and just listening to this album.” Sounds like a social media-filled evening.