Thursday 27th March
TikTok & UMG Drama: It’s Not You, It’s Copyright
The breakup between TikTok and Universal Music Group is far from over, and now it's affecting old content too. TikTok has started muting existing videos that used UMG music—even ones posted before the licensing deal expired in January.
Creators are understandably losing it, since this change hit quietly and retroactively. This means some of TikTok’s most viral moments are now silent movies. As a reminder, UMG pulled its catalog after failed negotiations over artist compensation and AI protections. So far, there's no reconciliation in sight, and TikTok hasn’t said much. Classic ghosting.
Spotify’s AI Playlists: Your Music Taste, Now with More Robot
Spotify is testing a new AI playlist generator in select regions (starting with the UK and Australia). Users can type in prompts like “gloomy Monday indie rock” or “cyberpunk jazz for coding” and get a personalized playlist built by their new AI sidekick.
It’s still in beta, but it follows Spotify’s earlier rollout of the AI DJ feature. Between this and the recent uptick in generative AI tools across the platform, it's clear Spotify’s betting big on letting the bots take the aux cord.
SoundCloud’s Letting Fans Invest in Artists
SoundCloud is experimenting with a “fan investment” tool, which allows users to directly fund and invest in artists on the platform. Think Kickstarter meets Robinhood meets mixtape hustle.
In return, fans could get perks, revenue shares, or other exclusive content, depending on the setup. It’s still in pilot mode, but it marks another push toward creator empowerment—and a more decentralized, indie-focused music economy. Just don't call it crypto. Please.
Amazon Music’s Momentum Slows Down
A new MIDiA Research report shows Amazon Music’s user growth has stalled. While it's still one of the “big four” platforms, it hasn’t kept pace with Spotify, Apple Music, or even YouTube Music in recent months.
The service is bundled with Amazon Prime, but that perk hasn’t translated into sustained streaming loyalty. Analysts point to its clunky UX and lack of social features as weak spots, especially with younger users flocking to more dynamic platforms.
