Spotify will now tell you when an artist isn’t real

Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, is set to introduce a new feature that will alert users when an artist they encounter is not real. Beginning in mid-September, Spotify will display an "AI Persona" badge on profiles created using AI-generated identities. This change aims to distinguish between real and artificial musicians, as concerns have arisen about users being misled by AI-generated artists.

Artists who choose to disclose their AI status through Spotify's platform will receive the "AI Persona" badge. However, if Spotify determines that a profile represents a photorealistic AI-generated person, a "Likely AI Persona" badge will be applied. The badges will be visible on artist profiles, in mobile search results, and beside artist names within playlists. Tapping the badge will reveal whether the artist self-disclosed the AI Persona or if Spotify applied the label after a review.

Spotify has set guidelines for the badge's application, focusing on photorealistic AI identities that could be mistaken for real people. Artists have the option to appeal Spotify's decision, and listeners will soon be able to report suspected AI Personas. It is important to note that the badge identifies the artist, not the production methods used to create the music. Spotify handles that separately through AI Credits, which identify specific parts of a track generated with AI.

The demand for clearer labels on AI-generated music has grown as these musicians attract real audiences. In January, a report revealed that Spotify's recommendation tools had placed an AI-generated funk song in a user's queue, even though the user had not shown interest in AI music. This incident highlights the need for better transparency. Additionally, other streaming services, like Apple Music, have started implementing Transparency Tags to disclose AI usage in tracks, compositions, music videos, or artwork.

Spotify's efforts to address AI-generated music extend beyond the AI Persona badge. They recently introduced Artist Profile Protection, an optional feature that allows artists to review eligible releases before they appear under their names. Moreover, Spotify has rolled out a green "Verified by Spotify" badge for profiles it has reviewed and determined to represent genuine artists.

To be eligible for verification, profiles should exhibit sustained listener engagement, compliance with Spotify's policies, and evidence of an identifiable artist outside Spotify, such as live concerts, merchandise, or linked social accounts. As of now, hundreds of thousands of artists have been verified, accounting for over 99 percent of the artists listeners actively search for.