Spotify announced on Thursday a series of agreements with major record labels to create new AI products. These products are designed to ensure fair compensation and to center artists and songwriters in the experience. The streaming service is partnering with Sony, Universal, Warner, and Merlin to develop what it calls responsible AI. This approach aims to respect copyright while allowing artists to choose whether they permit the use of AI tools with their work.
The company did not provide specific details on how these new tools will function. Spotify already offers some generative AI features for its users, such as an AI DJ that plays personalized songs and tools that let users create playlists using AI prompts.
This announcement follows recent criticism of Spotify after an AI-generated band’s music went viral on its platform. That event raised concerns about whether the future of music might sideline human artistry. Last month, the company updated its AI policy to reduce spam, particularly from users who upload large volumes of AI content, create duplicates, or manipulate search and recommendation systems. Spotify also said it would adopt the DDEX music labeling system to identify when AI is used in the music creation process.
The upcoming generative AI features will allow artists to opt into using AI tools if they wish. The system will likely enable artists to identify when their music is used in AI-generated tracks and to receive payment for that use. Spotify notes that this system will eventually expand to include other rightsholders and distributors.
In its announcement, Spotify stated that it disagrees with voices in the tech industry that believe copyright should be abolished. The company affirmed that musicians’ rights matter and that copyright is essential. It expressed a belief that if the music industry does not lead in AI innovation, such development will happen elsewhere without proper rights, consent, or compensation. Spotify committed to making significant investments in AI research and product development together with rightsholders, artists, and songwriters.
Additionally, Spotify has started building a generative AI research lab and product team. This team is focused on developing new technologies that reflect the principle that artists should be able to choose if and how they participate in the AI music ecosystem. Work on the first products has already begun, and more tools are expected in the future.