Spotify to Label AI-Generated Music, Excluding It From Recommendations

Spotify will begin labeling accounts that produce AI-generated music with an "AI Persona" tag starting in mid-September. The move aims to address user complaints about an influx of artificial intelligence music flooding the platform.

Profiles identified as AI bots will receive the "AI Persona" label, which will be visible in search results and other areas within the app. Crucially, these AI-generated music profiles will be excluded from Spotify's algorithmic recommendations, a key feature for music discovery.

The music streaming service will allow accounts to proactively disclose if they are an AI persona. For those that do not volunteer this information, Spotify's human moderators will review and label them using the company's own AI tools.

"True artist-fan connection can only be built on a foundation of trust and authenticity," Spotify stated in a release Tuesday. "In music, that means listeners need to be able to trust that the artist behind the music is who they say they are. That’s more essential than ever in the age of generative AI."

This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat what Spotify describes as a wave of "annoying AI-generated accounts." In April, Spotify introduced a "Verified by Spotify" badge for human artists and launched tools allowing listeners to see how AI was used in song creation and to understand each credited artist's contribution.

"Listeners have been clear in telling us that they don’t like seeing an artist profile that seems human, only to find out that the persona is AI-generated," the company added. "The badge signals to listeners that an artist’s identity may be AI-generated and does not represent a real person."

While taking steps to curb AI-generated music, Spotify has also integrated AI technology into its platform. Last month, the company introduced a ChatGPT-like conversational AI assistant to help users discover music. Additionally, Spotify launched an "AI DJ" feature and, through a licensing agreement with Universal Music Group, enabled fans to remix or cover select songs using AI.

The company is also collaborating with major music labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony, on developing "responsible AI products."