Music Industry Introduces Labels For Works That Use AI In Sound Recordings

A coalition of music industry and artists’ organizations introduced labels for works that use AI in sound recordings.

The labels are simple icons that distinguish between those that are “AI-generated” and “AI-assisted,” but they are designed to be adopted by digital music services, distributors and others. The track lebeling is voluntary.

Among the groups backing the labeling are the Recording Industry Association of America, IFPI, the Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign.

The groups noted that the streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks made up 44% of all new music on its platform, and Apple Music reported that more than one-third of its tracks are “100% AI.”

The groups also include the American Association of Independent Music; Worldwide Independent Network; and IMPALA, the association representing European independents.

The “AI-Generated” label — with the white, capitalized letters “AI and a black background — represent instances where generative AI as used in the “entirety or primary” portion of the recording, such as lead vocal performance, key instrumental performance or the entirety prompt generated. The other label, featuring a black lowercase “ai” with a white background, represents instances where a work was created “substantially by humans and expresses human creativity; however, generative AI was used for some expressive elements. Humans performed the lead vocal and primary instruments,” per the groups.

For now, the labels do not cover the use of AI in lyrics, composition, music videos or cover art.

Vikki Oakley, IFPI CEO and Mitch Glazier, RIAA chairman and CEO, said in a joint statement, “Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen. Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves.”

Deezer issued a statement saying that it was “encouraging to see steps being taken towards a unified approach to generative AI in music. As the first music streaming platform to detect, tag and exclude AI-generated music from algorithmic recommendations, Deezer is ready to support the development of an industry-wide framework.”

“This includes key considerations around the use of training data for AI models, ensuring that all rights holders are fairly remunerated. We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the wider music ecosystem to create fair and practical standards for AI in music.”