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Thursday, Aug 20, 2026
Outside the box.
Taylor Swift's Music Returns to TikTok Amidst Record Label Dispute
Taylor Swift's music has returned to TikTok following a dispute between the singer's record label, Universal Music, and the social media app.
The two parties publicly exchanged angry messages, with Universal accusing TikTok of bullying and TikTok dismissing the allegations.
After their licensing agreement expired on January 31, TikTok removed Universal's songs from the platform and muted videos featuring them.
However, Taylor Swift's music is now back on TikTok, with a return planned for some time after the disagreement.
The Financial Times reports that Taylor Swift is set to return to TikTok after a public dispute with the app in late 2022.
Her return was allegedly planned beforehand due to her ownership of the copyright to her songs, granted through a 2019 deal with Universal Music.
This gives her control over where her music is available on the platform.
Universal Music and TikTok have been approached for comment by Sky News.
The move signifies Swift's return to TikTok just three months after Universal criticized the app in an open letter over three key issues.
Universal Music Group, the largest music label company, wrote a letter to TikTok expressing concerns over payment for artists and songwriters, protection from AI use, and online safety.
TikTok initially showed indifference and later intimidation in response, according to the letter.
The company accused TikTok of attempting to bully Universal into accepting a less favorable deal by removing music from developing artists while keeping content from popular global stars.
After their licensing agreement expired on January 31, TikTok removed Universal's songs from the platform and muted videos featuring them.
However, Taylor Swift's music is now back on TikTok, with a return planned for some time after the disagreement.
The Financial Times reports that Taylor Swift is set to return to TikTok after a public dispute with the app in late 2022.
Her return was allegedly planned beforehand due to her ownership of the copyright to her songs, granted through a 2019 deal with Universal Music.
This gives her control over where her music is available on the platform.
Universal Music and TikTok have been approached for comment by Sky News.
The move signifies Swift's return to TikTok just three months after Universal criticized the app in an open letter over three key issues.
Universal Music Group, the largest music label company, wrote a letter to TikTok expressing concerns over payment for artists and songwriters, protection from AI use, and online safety.
TikTok initially showed indifference and later intimidation in response, according to the letter.
The company accused TikTok of attempting to bully Universal into accepting a less favorable deal by removing music from developing artists while keeping content from popular global stars.
