TikTok has signed a multi-year agreement with music licensing technology company Chordal to integrate its InstantClear technology into TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.
The partnership aims to expand access to pre-cleared music for brand advertising, allowing rights holders to use InstantClear to opt into TikTok’s library, pre-clear fractional shares, and automate payments.
Chordal says the integration will make it easier for rights holders to monetize their music within TikTok’s commercial catalog. The Commercial Music Library, launched in May 2023, provides brands with a pre-cleared global music collection for use in TikTok content.
Grayson Sanders, CEO of Chordal, said the ability to include fractionally owned songs in the library is significant for the industry. He noted the partnership simplifies music use for brands and helps more artists monetize their work while allowing TikTok to expand its offerings.
Chris Marion, Manager of Commercial Music at TikTok, added that the goal is to evolve micro-licensing to match the speed and scale of digital advertising and short-form video. He emphasized providing brands with a safe, broad music library while opening revenue streams for artists.
Chordal’s integration follows its recent collaboration with music publisher Kobalt and partnerships with other labels and publishers such as PIAS, Reservoir Media, Primary Wave, and Believe. The company has developed its platform over six years, invested $4.5 million, and exited private beta in mid-2023.
For TikTok, this deal follows its 2024 agreement with Adobe to bring the Commercial Music Library to Adobe Express via Symphony Assistant.
Earlier this year, TikTok parent ByteDance launched EasyOde, a rights-cleared music platform, supported by trademarks filed through its Cayman Islands-based affiliate Lemon Inc. EasyOde offers tracks and sound effects for new and traditional media projects.
