Apple Music is introducing a new way for record labels and distributors to declare AI-generated or AI-assisted content when uploading to the platform. According to a newsletter sent to industry partners on Wednesday, Apple will roll out a new set of metadata fields designed to promote transparency around the use of AI in music.
Metadata typically includes information like song title, artist name, and genre. Apple Music will now offer optional metadata tags that distributors can use to flag AI involvement in specific aspects of a song. These tags allow for distinction between AI use in a song’s artwork, the track itself, the composition or lyrics, or the music video.
This move appears to align with listener interest, as a concept for a similar feature was recently shared by a user on Reddit. However, this system relies on an opt-in approach, meaning it is the responsibility of the label or distributor to manually choose to disclose their use of AI. Spotify is reportedly implementing a similar policy.
Other platforms, like Deezer, are attempting to identify AI content using in-house detection tools. Creating such systems that are highly accurate remains a significant technical challenge. TechCrunch has contacted Apple for further details.