Spotify is introducing a new feature that will flag AI-generated artists, starting with some profiles from mid-September. The AI Persona badge will appear on the banner and about section of artist profiles, as well as a note when they come up in searches and on tracks in playlists.
Transparency in Music Streaming
The changes are being introduced to give users "more transparency" about what they're hearing, Spotify says. This move comes after some music fans expressed frustration with seeing profiles that seemed to be human, only to realize they were AI-generated.
AI in Music Creation
AI-generated music has long been a concern for fans and artists. Musician Alex Winn, who plays in the North East band Swindled, thinks the incoming feature is a "really good thing". "It almost separates the people who have created music properly from the people just using AI," he says. Winn feels people want to "connect emotionally with music" and he thinks "AI can't really do that".
User Reactions
Music fans have shared their thoughts on the new label. Leon Keenan thinks AI music shouldn't be removed completely from Spotify, but agrees that clearly labelling it is a "really good" idea. Ellie Sumner, 21, welcomes the new label as she says she has not realised work was AI-generated before. "It's very easy to be like 'AI is so obvious' and maybe look down on my parents and grandparents falling for it, but I've definitely fallen for AI before," she says.
Spotify's Stance
Spotify says "true artist-fan connection can only be built on a foundation of trust and authenticity". The streamer believes that listeners need to be able to trust that the artist behind the music is who they say they are. This is especially essential in the age of generative AI, where the lines between human and AI creation are becoming increasingly blurred.
How the Badge Will Work
The AI Persona badge will relate to the "artist's public identity" and not to "how the music was made". This means that artists who use AI tools in their music creation will still be able to be transparent about it through the AI Credits feature. Spotify hopes that AI profiles will self-disclose in the same way, but it will also review accounts that appear to meet the criteria.
The new feature is set to roll out from mid-September, giving users more transparency about the music they listen to. With the rise of AI-generated music, it remains to be seen how this new feature will impact the music streaming landscape. As Spotify continues to navigate the complexities of AI creation, one thing is clear: the lines between human and AI music are becoming increasingly blurred.
Source: Joy Online
