Apple Music to Label Tracks Made With AI

Apple Music is set to implement a mandatory "Made With AI" tag for songs produced using generative artificial intelligence. This policy, detailed in a memo to industry partners, requires record labels and distributors to identify tracks where AI played a significant role in content creation. The move expands on Apple Music's existing AI Transparency Tagging system, shifting from voluntary reporting to a formal requirement.

The exact launch date for the public-facing labels remains undisclosed. This policy change comes as the music industry grapples with the increasing prevalence of AI-generated music. Streaming services are adopting diverse strategies, including licensing adjustments, copyright litigation, and royalty bans for AI tracks. Spotify, for instance, has begun labeling synthetic artist profiles as "AI Personas," while Tidal has moved to block AI-generated tracks from earning royalties.

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As we implement Made With AI Labels, content providers will be important partners. They are best positioned to know how their content was created, and the AI Transparency Tags that should be used.

Industry groups like the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and SAG-AFTRA have been advocating for standardized AI labeling across digital platforms. Apple Music Vice President Oliver Schusser noted that a substantial portion of daily track uploads are AI-generated. He stressed that while Apple employs internal screening tools, the primary responsibility for transparency lies with the uploaders, who must develop their own methods to track AI usage in their productions.

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You should know that every label in the world is delivering AI, even if they might not know about it. They themselves also need to develop tools to understand the scope of AI use.