Music Industry Groups Blast TikTok's Merlin Split as Latest Anti-Artist Payment Move
Several major music industry organizations have criticized TikTok's decision not to renew its licensing agreement with Merlin, the indie music collective. Organizations including A2IM, SAG-AFTRA, AFM, and others have issued a joint statement condemning the move.
The controversy stems from TikTok's shift away from Merlin towards direct deals with independent labels. Reports indicate these new agreements would offer significantly lower compensation compared to the previous Merlin arrangement. Independent labels face a deadline of October 25th to either accept these reduced terms or have their music removed from the platform.
The largest independent labels are reportedly engaged in separate negotiations, while smaller labels are being presented with standardized contracts offering less favorable terms.
The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) previously criticized TikTok's negotiation approach, expressing concerns about cultural diversity and advocating for the Protect Working Musicians Act.
In their joint statement, the organizations stated: "TikTok's unwillingness to negotiate a licensing deal with Merlin is just the latest example of the platform doing whatever it can to avoid compensating artists fairly." They emphasized Merlin's 15-year history of facilitating relationships between independent labels and digital platforms.
The organizations are calling for Congress to pass the Protect Working Musicians Act, which would enable collective negotiation rights for musicians, songwriters, independent labels, and publishers - currently prohibited by law.
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This development follows TikTok's earlier licensing dispute with Universal Music in 2024, highlighting growing tensions between the platform and the music industry over fair compensation for artists.