Spotify label AI artists

By Alimat Aliyeva

Swedish music streaming giant Spotify is preparing to introduce a special AI-persona label for artists created with the help of artificial intelligence. The new tag is designed to help users distinguish virtual performers from real musicians and, according to the company, make the platform more transparent and trustworthy, AzerNEWS reports.

The AI label will appear in the mobile app on an artist’s profile, in search results, and next to their songs in playlists. A large-scale rollout of the new system is expected to begin in mid-September.

Previously, Spotify launched the Verified by Spotify system, which required musicians to prove that they were real people. Artists could demonstrate their authenticity through social media activity, merchandise, and other forms of public presence. However, the initiative faced criticism. AI-music expert and copyright advocate Ed Newton-Rex argued that such requirements could disadvantage legitimate artists who do not have a strong social media presence or sell merchandise.

Spotify now plans to combine human verification with AI-powered tools to identify profiles representing AI-generated personas. Artists will also be able to voluntarily declare that their profile represents an AI persona. If Spotify automatically applies the label, profile owners will have the opportunity to confirm the status or appeal the decision.

The new policy will also affect Spotify’s recommendation algorithms. AI-persona artists will not be included in editorial or personalized recommendations unless users have already chosen to follow or listen to them.

Importantly, Spotify is not banning AI-generated music. Instead, the company is focusing on transparency, allowing users to listen to AI-created music while making its origin clear. This could become an important step as generative AI continues to transform the music industry.

If an AI-generated artist becomes a global star, should it be treated the same way as a human musician? As AI music becomes increasingly sophisticated, streaming platforms may soon have to rethink not only how music is recommended, but also what it means to be an “artist” in the digital age.