TikTok is expanding its catalog of licensed music that's accessible to users. The service has announced an “expanded global alliance" with Universal Music Group (UMG) to let TikTok users create videos with music background from UMG's music library.
As part of the new agreement, recorded songs from artists at UMG’s labels and Universal Music Publishing Group's songwriters will be available on the TikTok app. That means users will now have access to more licensed music on top of TikTok's existing portfolio of music, which already comprises songs from Sony Music Entertainment.
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music for TikTok, said in a statement that the new partnership is meant to extend support for artists and songwriters. He claimed that the platform has driven the creation of chart hits and that "licensing the world's biggest catalog of tracks will continue to inspire our community".
Aside from giving TikTok users access to songs they like as background music for their videos, UMG's recording artists and songwriters will also get paid for their songs. Both companies will also test new features including the ability to let users add clips from UMG's broad music library to their videos.
The new alliance marks the latest milestone in TikTok's effort to partner with companies that produce popular songs. Earlier this year, the service confirmed a deal with Warner Music Group that covered its recorded music division and the Warner Chappell publishing division (via Billboard).
