Spotify to slap 'AI Persona' badges on AI-generated artist profiles

Spotify has announced that it will introduce new labels for AI-generated artist profiles, with the new AI Persona badge set to appear on some artist profiles from mid-September. The move is part of the music streaming giant's efforts to enhance transparency and trust in its platform as AI-generated music becomes more prevalent. Artists will have the option to voluntarily disclose their AI Persona status through Spotify for Artists, while the company will also conduct independent reviews and apply labels as needed.

The AI Persona badge will be visible on artist profiles, search results, and track listings. Spotify will review profiles that appear to represent photorealistic AI-generated personas and notify affected artists, who can either appeal the decision or self-disclose. Listeners will eventually be able to report profiles they suspect to be AI Personas.

The new labels will not be included in editorial or algorithmic recommendations by default, unless users choose to follow them. The initiative follows a surge in AI-generated music, particularly in African markets, and comes as a group of prominent musicians signed a letter in 2024 urging stronger protections against AI systems that mimic artists' voices, likenesses, and musical styles.

Spotify aims to address listeners' curiosity about whether an artist profile represents a real human being.