This is why even more music will be removed from TikTok this week.

For those who haven’t heard yet: the record label Universal is unhappy with the agreements they made with TikTok regarding the use of their artists’ music. Earlier this year, songs by well-known names like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles were removed, and now, according to BBC, more songs will follow by the end of the week.

What’s left?

TikTok is expected to remove millions of additional songs, including those by artists without a contract with Universal but who have released songs written by authors associated with the label. TikTok says it concerns about 30 percent of the most popular songs, but according to the BCC, there are also estimates that it’s about 80 percent of the music. TikTok has been negotiating with music labels for the use of their music in recent months, but so far they haven’t reached a good deal yet. Therefore, Universal has decided to cancel all licenses starting from 31 January.

Musical crisis for users

Of course, this is a big problem for people who already made some videos, as well for companies and brands that often use those popular music songs. Not only is previously posted content now shown without sound, but the removal of TikTok music also hits trends where old songs became popular again.

TikTok wasn’t just a place for old songs, new songs also became popular. Some artists mainly used TikTok for promoting their music, but that might change now. However, there will probably be a solution soon, and maybe Universal and TikTok will work together on some things. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!