YouTube Music Rolls Out Generative AI Labels for Songs

YouTube Music has begun rolling out labels for songs that have been “created primarily using generative AI.”

The labeling system:

• Labels will appear directly on the player page.

• Tapping a label opens a menu with more information.

• The labels will also extend to the main YouTube app.

• YouTube has not specified whether the label will affect recommendations or royalty payouts.

How it works:

• YouTube will identify AI-generated tracks using a combination of its own detection tools and partner disclosures.

• Music partners can declare generative AI use when delivering content via DDEX or CSV delivery templates.

• They can choose from three categories: Fully Gen AI, Partly Gen AI, No Gen AI.

• Partly Gen AI covers content where AI-generated elements are combined with human-performed vocals or instrumentation.

• Pitch correction tools such as Auto-Tune sit in the No Gen AI category.

Wider movement:

• YouTube’s labeling is part of a wider push among streaming platforms to provide greater transparency around AI-generated music.

• Apple Music is expected to introduce “Made With AI” labels later this year.

• Spotify began testing AI disclosures in song credits in April. In August it announced an “AI Persona” badge for artist profiles with AI-generated identities, with music from those profiles excluded from its editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default.

• Deezer uses its own technology to tag fully AI-generated music, and earlier this week announced a new feature enabling users to filter out such music from their search results.

• In June, TIDAL said it would tag fully AI-generated music in its app and cease paying royalties on it.