As TikTok's deadline for direct licensing deals with independent labels arrives, IMPALA has issued a strong warning about the platform's approach and its potential consequences.

IMPALA's key concerns center around TikTok's unilateral deadline implementation and its divergent negotiation strategies with different-sized labels. While larger indies are engaged in actual negotiations, smaller labels reportedly receive standardized contracts with less favorable terms than the existing Merlin agreement.

The organization highlights several critical points:

• TikTok's current approach poses significant risks to both the independent music sector and the platform's long-term interests
• Independent labels have historically contributed significantly to TikTok's creative engagement
• The platform should maintain existing Merlin arrangements for two additional months while engaging in good-faith negotiations
• Any content or algorithmic measures affecting visibility or remuneration of Merlin members should be suspended

Despite these concerns, IMPALA maintains a conciliatory tone, acknowledging TikTok's importance as a "well-loved platform" and expressing confidence that "fair and equitable solutions can be found."

The Merlin-TikTok contract officially expires on October 31st. While some independent labels, like UnitedMasters, have already secured direct deals with TikTok, the broader impact on the independent music sector remains to be seen.

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