SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – Taylor Swift performs during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at the National Stadium on March 02, 2024 in Singapore. (Photo by Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Taylor Swift’s songs have returned to TikTok after a 10-week absence due to a licensing dispute between the app and Universal Music Group.  The dispute led to UMG pulling all its music from the platform, affecting artists like Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Rihanna, and Ariana Grande.  The return of Swift’s music coincides with the upcoming release of her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” on April 19. UMG cited issues of fair compensation for artists and songwriters, as well as concerns about AI and online safety on TikTok.  Swift’s ownership of her recordings and songwriting rights under her UMG deal allows her control over where her music is available. Artists have expressed concerns about royalties and AI protection on TikTok but also worry about missing out on promotional opportunities without access to the platform.