Understanding AI Music Distribution
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become increasingly common in music creation, it is important that all releases submitted for distribution accurately disclose how AI was used during the creative process.
This article explains what qualifies as AI-generated content, how AI usage must be disclosed, and what information is required when distributing music that has used AI in any capacity.
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Music?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to software, platforms, or machine-learning systems that can create, modify, enhance, or generate musical content with limited or no direct human performance.
AI may be used for:
AI-Generated Lyrics
AI-Generated Music
AI-Generated Vocals
AI-Assisted Production
Fully AI-Generated Recordings
When Must AI Be Disclosed?
AI must be disclosed whenever an AI tool, service, or model contributed to the creation of a recording in whole or in part.
This includes situations where AI was used to:
Write lyrics
Compose music
Generate vocals
Create instrumental performances
Mix or master recordings
Enhance audio
Generate portions of a recording
Generate the entire recording
If AI contributed to any aspect of the final audio recording, disclosure is required.
How We Detect AI Usage
To help maintain accurate metadata and platform compliance, our system utilizes ACRCloud audio recognition technology. ACRCloud is an advanced audio identification and recognition system that can identify characteristics commonly associated with AI-generated or AI-assisted recordings.
When AI usage is detected, releases may be reviewed to ensure the correct metadata, credits, and track properties have been provided before distribution can proceed.
AI Copyright and Rights Considerations
The legal and licensing landscape surrounding AI-generated music continues to evolve globally. Some AI platforms have entered licensing agreements with rights holders, while others may have trained their models using datasets that remain subject to ongoing legal and copyright discussions.
Because of this, creators who use AI tools should understand that:
Copyright laws relating to AI-generated content may change over time.
Future ownership or licensing disputes could arise.
Streaming platforms may update their policies regarding AI-generated content.
Rights holders may challenge the use of certain AI-generated works in the future.
We currently allow for the distribution of AI-generated and AI-assisted music, provided all AI usage is accurately disclosed and properly credited.
Artists remain responsible for ensuring they have the necessary rights and permissions to distribute their content.
Required Metadata for AI Music
When submitting music that contains AI-generated or AI-assisted elements, the following information must be provided.
Step 1: Enable "Includes AI" in Track Properties
For every track that used AI in any capacity, the Track Properties section must indicate:
Includes AI = Yes
Step 2: Identify the AI Service Used
You must specify the AI platform or service used.
Examples include:
Suno
Udio
BandLab AI
Any other AI-powered service
Providing the service used allows us to review and maintain accurate metadata records.
Step 3: Credit the AI Service in Metadata
Any AI service that contributed creatively to the recording must be credited in the appropriate role field under the Writers & Publishers section of the track metadata.
Acceptable examples include:
Lyricist: Suno AI
Composer: Generative AI
Arranger: Udio AI
Producer: AI Service
The specific service name may be used where applicable, or you may use:
AI Service
Generative AI
AI Detection Review Message
If AI is detected in your release and the required information is missing, you may receive the following notice:
AI DETECTED - Please update your track properties for each track that has used AI so that each track has the correct metadata submitted.
(1) Track Properties must indicate "Includes AI" when an AI service has been used in the audio creation (in whole or in part).
(2) You must confirm the service used so that we can verify how the models were trained and developed, and that this process did not involve unlicensed copyrighted works.
(3) Any AI service(s) used must be credited in the metadata, such as in the composer or lyricist metadata fields, as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I distribute AI-generated music?
Yes. We currently accept AI-generated and AI-assisted music, provided all AI usage is accurately disclosed and credited.
What if AI was only used for mastering?
AI usage must still be disclosed, and the service used should be identified.
What if AI only helped me write lyrics?
AI usage must still be disclosed, and the AI contributor should be credited appropriately.
What if I don't disclose AI usage?
If AI is detected during review, your release may be delayed, returned for correction, or rejected until the required information is provided.