TikTok wrongly blocks works from the GEMA repertoire
Dear member,
I am writing to you today because the video platform TikTok is blocking some works from the GEMA repertoire.
You may have read about this in the media: Four weeks ago, the license agreement between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok ended. A follow-up contract was not signed. Instead, both parties have been arguing about the use of music ever since - no agreement has yet been reached.
Universal withdraws its own recordings because TikTok does not give the artists an appropriate share
The reason for the dispute: TikTok is not prepared to remunerate the music repertoire represented by UMG on reasonable terms. In addition, UMG criticizes the handling of AI-generated music, which is offered on TikTok on a massive scale. Following the termination of the license agreement, UMG withdrew its repertoire from the video platform. The affected Universal recordings are no longer available to users and creators. We believe it is fundamentally right for Universal to stand up to the TikTok video platform.
GEMA members only indirectly affected
The musical works of GEMA members have not yet been affected by the dispute between UMG and TikTok. At least not directly. Of course, the blocking of Universal recordings also indirectly affects the income of GEMA authors who have written works for a blocked Universal recording. In the publishing sector, the blocking only covered the Anglo-American Universal repertoire. Works by GEMA members were not affected by Universal's withdrawal, as these rights are licensed by GEMA to TikTok. Authors who are GEMA members were not blocked by Universal because their rights are licensed by GEMA to TikTok.
TikTok blocks GEMA repertoire
Nevertheless, numerous musical works by GEMA members who have a publishing agreement with Universal or are involved in Universal works were also blocked this week - even though there was no reason for blocking. These blockings have no basis. GEMA has a current and valid license agreement with TikTok for these musical works via its subsidiary ICE.
GEMA in discussion with TikTok
We immediately contacted TikTok and asked them to withdraw the blocks. The repertoire licensed by us must be made accessible to users and creators again. We will keep up the pressure on TikTok until your works are available again.