Spotify teams up with Sony, Universal, and Warner to develop ‘artist-first’ AI tools

The collaboration is guided by four principles: partnerships with record labels, distributors, and music publishers; artist choice in participation; fair compensation; and strengthening artist-fan connections. Spotify aims to develop new products that ensure artists are fairly compensated and transparently credited, using AI to enhance, not replace, human creativity.

Last month, Spotify updated its AI policy to curb spam, targeting users who upload large volumes of AI-generated content, create duplicates, or manipulate search and recommendation systems. The platform faced criticism recently when an AI-generated band’s music went viral, sparking concerns about the future of human artistry in music.

To address these issues, Spotify will adopt the DDEX music labelling system to clearly identify when AI is used in music creation. The company emphasised its commitment to artists’ rights, stating, “Some in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We don’t, Musicians’ rights matter. Copyright is essential.” Spotify warned that without industry leadership, AI innovation could bypass rights, consent, and compensation. The next generation of AI features will allow artists to opt in or out of AI tool usage. 

Future technologies may enable musicians to detect when their work is used in AI-generated music and ensure proper compensation. Over time, Spotify plans to expand this system to include distributors and other rights holders.

Additionally, Spotify has launched a generative AI research lab and product team to develop technologies aligned with these principles. The company stated that work on initial tools has begun, with more details to be announced soon.