After You Generate: Why the Marketing Root Is Not Your Asset Library

Many AI music platforms teach beginners the wrong initial step when they need to return to a previously generated track. The marketing root, which serves as a sales document, should not be the first choice for users seeking their generated songs, covers, or videos. Instead, these should reside in a separate media library. This distinction is based on a review of the WAV AI site, which demonstrates how the site structure separates the marketing root and the media library.

The root page, accessible at the root (/) of the site, functions as a brochure with a clear contract. The page title is "Free AI Music Generator & Music Tools," while the h1 title reads "Free AI Music Generator." The supporting line highlights the platform's selling point: "turn ideas into music instantly; create songs, beats, and tracks with Text to Music AI; no music skills needed."

The primary call to action is a "Start free" button. Below this, the page still presents a brochure format, listing sample styles within "Hear the Magic" and describing different features such as a generator, extender, remixer, and editor. However, there is no collection of generated tracks available here.

If a visitor is new to the platform and seeking guidance, the root page provides the necessary introduction. However, for users who have already generated a track and wish to access it, the root page offers no assistance. Instead, the media library, accessible via the "/media" route, is the correct path. This library is where users can manage their generated songs, covers, and videos.

The media library page uses a different document title—"Media Library | WAV AI"—and employs collection chrome, such as "All Creations," "Upload," and "Folders" to facilitate easy navigation.

The distinction between these two routes is crucial. While the marketing root's goal is to recognize that a track exists and initiate the creation process anew, the media library leverages recognition, allowing users to scan through their existing collection of tracks, covers, and videos to locate the desired one quickly. This separation of concerns is supported by interface design principles, as outlined in Raluca Budiu's work on memory recognition and recall in user interfaces.

The article emphasizes that recognition is easier because it relies on familiar cues, which increase the likelihood of retrieval.

In essence, the marketing root and the media library serve different purposes and should not be conflated. Keeping them separate ensures that users can easily recall the content they have previously generated, without being forced to recall a prompt from the sales page. This approach enhances the user experience by providing the appropriate tools and interfaces for each stage of the user journey.