In a recent dispute over music licensing, two large companies crucial to the music industry face lashback from musicians and fans alike. UMG, or Universal Music Group, is the world’s largest music corporation, as it represents some of the biggest artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, and Olivia Rodrigo. 

In January, UMG announced they would pull songs from the popular short-form video app TikTok. The two companies failed to reach a new deal as UMG claimed the app was not paying fair compensation to artists and songwriters represented under the corporation. This was not an empty threat, as TikTok users who had previously used UMG’s music in their videos noticed they were now muted and unavailable for use on the app.

This dispute not only affects social media influencers, but also the music industry as a whole. TikTok is a major marketing tool for many artists who are represented under UMG. Losing access to this huge outreach system can negatively impact artists greatly, especially those who are new and upcoming.

Regardless, content makers on the popular app still choose to have fun by offering comedic relief for their fans. From lip-syncing instrumental pieces to creating dances along a “generic-sounding” beat, these creators continuously engage their audience. 

The next time you are looking for the hottest dance trend to a top song, it may just be to some simple elevator music.