The company says Triller has "shamefully withheld payments owed to our artists" and refused to negotiate a licence to use the music legitimately.
Triller is a fast-growing rival to TikTok, and allows its users to create short videos, often set to music.
The LA-based company "categorically" denied it had been withholding money.
Universal's move appears to means that world-renowned artists like Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Bob Marley will no longer appear on Triller's videos.
