Spotify and Major Labels Unite on “Artist-First” AI Music Products

Spotify announced a partnership with the major record labels—Sony, Universal and Warner—alongside digital-rights group Merlin and French label Believe to develop “artist-first” AI music products. The companies say the goal is to create AI features that empower artists and songwriters with upfront agreements, fair compensation and clear choices about participation.

The move follows Spotify’s recent efforts to remove unauthorized AI-generated content from its platform. The company framed the partnerships as a way to ensure AI-driven innovation in music happens with rights, consent and compensation rather than elsewhere without artist protections.

• Partnerships: Work with labels, distributors and publishers to shape AI tools.
• Choice: Artists must be able to opt in or out of AI uses of their work.
• Fair compensation: Upfront deals and revenue-sharing are emphasized.
• Artist–fan connection: Tools should help fans discover and support real artists.

Spotify already offers its own AI features — most notably the AI DJ, plus personalized daylists and AI-generated playlists — which the company says are designed to help listeners discover and connect with real artists rather than replace them.

That said, Spotify’s public statement is light on concrete product details and timelines. The announcement focuses on principles and collaboration rather than specific technical plans, leaving questions about enforcement, licensing terms and how new products will differ from current AI tools.

For more context, see the original coverage on Engadget: Engadget: Spotify partners with the big three on artist-first AI music products.

Spotify says the effort is meant to invite the best minds in AI to help build tools that support careers and businesses rather than exploit artist work. Whether this approach will meaningfully curb unauthorized AI music remains to be seen; success will depend on concrete agreements, transparent licensing and industry enforcement.

Discussion: Do you think label-led AI tools will protect artists while still allowing innovation? Share your thoughts below.