In a move towards greater transparency, Spotify is set to introduce an AI Persona badge, which will inform listeners if an artist is created by artificial intelligence. This addition is expected on some profiles starting mid-September, aimed at distinguishing between AI-generated identities and real human artists, giving users clearer insights into the origins of music they enjoy.
Recent feedback from Spotify users has highlighted discomfort with discovering that seemingly human profiles were, in fact, AI-created. The new badge aims to address this issue by providing more clarity.
Artists and Fans Respond
Artists and listeners have expressed support for the feature. Alex Winn, guitarist for Swindled, appreciates that it will separate authentic music from AI productions, allowing listeners to make informed choices. This sentiment is echoed by 19-year-old Winn who hopes it will direct more attention to genuine artists.
Music fan Leon Keenan concurs, advocating not for the removal of AI music, but for clear labelling. He emphasises the importance of passion in music, which he feels AI lacks.
Ellie Sumner, a 21-year-old listener, admitted to previously being unaware when music was AI-generated and welcomes the transparency the badge will provide. While she finds the need for such labels unfortunate, she understands their necessity.
Some Spotify users have gone so far as to create tools for identifying and excluding suspected AI tracks from their playlists, underscoring the demand for clear identification.
Implementation Details
The specific badge will be visible on the artist profile banner and about section, compatible with search results and playlist tracks. Notably, AI-labelled artists will not be featured in personalised recommendations unless specifically followed.
Spotify clarifies that the badge pertains to the artist’s public identity rather than the composition process, acknowledging AI’s role in some music production. Musicians can voluntarily disclose AI usage via the AI Credits feature, which already sees tens of thousands of entries daily
The streaming giant encourages self-disclosure by AI profiles, but will also conduct reviews for accuracy. Artist accounts labelled with the badge have the opportunity to self-disclose or contest the label. The badge itself will indicate if self-disclosure occurred or if Spotify independently reviewed the account.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.