In July, a broad coalition of music creators and companies around the world called for a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI in sound recordings.
Over the past two months, major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have announced new measures to regulate and increase transparency around the use of generative AI in music that is being uploaded to their platforms.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest changes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Spotify is introducing AI Persona badges to distinguish AI-generated artist identities from real artists. Music from AI Personas will also be excluded from editorial and algorithmic recommendations unless a listener already follows the profile.
- Apple Music will add “Made With AI” labels later in 2026 for music primarily created with generative AI.
- Instagram is introducing “AI-generated profile” labels for accounts built around AI-generated personas, and undisclosed AI profiles may see reduced algorithmic reach.
- Authenticity and accurate metadata are becoming more important across platforms. Independent artists should keep their profiles up to date and document meaningful uses of generative AI in their music and creative assets.
Spotify launches new AI Persona label
Spotify has announced a new AI persona badge meant to distinguish AI-generated profiles from those representing real people.
Artists can currently voluntarily disclose that their profile represents an AI persona through Spotify for Artists, but beginning in mid-September, Spotify will start applying badges to relevant profiles. And in the months to come, listeners themselves will have the ability to report badgeless artist profiles they suspect of representing AI Personas.
The badges will appear on artist profiles (in the banner and About section), in search, and on track rows across playlists. Tapping the badge will allow listeners to see whether the artists transparently shared that they’re an AI Persona to build trust with potential listeners, or if Spotify had to review and make an informed decision.
Artists can appeal a determination if they believe their profile was incorrectly labeled.
The real thrust of this update is its implication for discovery: Spotify will not include music from AI Personas in editorial and algorithmic recommendations, unless the listener follows a relevant AI Persona.
Note: The AI Persona badge is about artist identity, not about how the music is made. For increasing transparency around how music is made, Spotify is testing AI Credits and SongDNA.
What this means for you:
It’s never been more important to maintain your Spotify for Artists profile. Demonstrate your authenticity by ensuring your images, bio, releases, credits, and artist identity are consistent and up to date.
Apple Music announces “Made With AI” labels
Later this year, Apple Music will introduce new “Made With AI” labels to increase transparency for listeners that a track was “primarily derived from a generative AI service” like Suno or Udio.
Under these new requirements content providers (distributors or labels) will need to include an AI Transparency Tag if AI was used to create a material portion of the content being delivered. Apple has not yet confirmed a launch date for these labels, but said that they will come later in 2026.
What this means for you:
In preparation for new AI metadata, be sure to document any uses of AI in your music. Note that this measure from Apple is to increase transparency for listeners — not ban or discourage the use of AI in your creative process.
Instagram announces “AI-generated profile” label
Instagram is replacing its previous “AI creator” designation with a clearer “AI-generated profile” label for accounts featuring personas generated or substantially created with AI. Accounts featuring AI personas that fail to disclose that fact may have their reach limited.
This policy is aimed specifically at profiles representing AI-generated people. Creators who simply use AI to edit photos, polish captions, create graphics, or make other creative adjustments do not need to label their entire profile as AI-generated.
What this means for you:
As Instagram gives users more information about the profiles they follow, authentic artists have an opportunity to stand out. Make that authenticity work for you by reviewing your profile and strengthening your artist identity with updated photos, a clear bio, relevant links, and content that reflects who you are.
Deezer to begin removing fraudulent AI-generated tracks
Deezer already excludes AI-generated tracks from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists, but now the platform says it will systematically remove generative-AI tracks used for streaming fraud, along with fully AI-generated tracks that have gone six months without a stream.
What this means for you:
For artists focused on earning genuine listener engagement and promoting their music responsibility, there is no further action to take in response to this update. In the background of this update is a nod to fraudulent streaming. Avoid services promising guaranteed streams or suspicious playlist placement. You can learn more about fraudulent streaming here.
Authenticity and transparency are key to success
As streaming and social platforms put more emphasis on authenticity and transparency, artists have new opportunities to stand out. Clear labeling of AI-generated content and profiles can help listeners make more intentional choices — and give real artists more headroom to build meaningful connections with their audiences.
The best way to take advantage is to build a strong, authentic presence across every platform where your music and identity live.
That starts with getting your music out there. With CD Baby, you can distribute to more than 150 platforms worldwide while keeping 100% ownership of your rights.
Create your free CD Baby account today and get started.