TikTok's ongoing struggles have been met with notable indifference from the music industry, largely due to the platform's contentious relationship with both major and independent labels.

Despite being a kingmaker in the music industry, TikTok has alienated many key players through aggressive negotiating tactics. Major labels harbor resentment from licensing disputes, while independent labels feel marginalized after TikTok undermined Merlin's collective bargaining power.

The platform now faces multiple challenges:

• Removal from Apple App Store and Google Play Store
• No updates possible for existing users
• Growing "app rot" issues affecting functionality
• Increasing competition from Instagram and X
• Uncertainty around Trump's 75-day extension plan

The proposed solution of 50% U.S. ownership presents significant complications for ByteDance and the Chinese government. Meanwhile, competitors like Instagram are actively recruiting top TikTok creators to their platforms.

The music industry's silence during TikTok's crisis speaks volumes. While the platform remains powerful, its aggressive tactics have left it with few allies during this crucial period. Artists are increasingly advised to diversify their social media presence beyond TikTok.

Tech giants Apple and Google appear content to wait out the situation, prioritizing regulatory compliance over TikTok's accessibility. Their stance, combined with broader industry indifference, suggests TikTok faces an uphill battle in maintaining its U.S. presence.

Whether TikTok can secure a viable deal within the 75-day window remains uncertain, but the platform's strained relationships across the industry may prove costly in its fight for survival.

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