YouTube Music will now tag AI-generated content

It’s the latest music streaming platform to roll out AI tagging systems

YouTube Music will now tag music made using AI.

In a statement published yesterday, October 14, the streaming platform revealed that it would begin tagging AI-generated tracks, effective immediately.

It will now tag music made "primarily using generative AI", including those using a "generative model to create the composition and vocals".

"As these tools evolve, our listeners have told us they want transparency when they’re hearing an AI-generated track," the streaming giant said in the statement.

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AI tags will also appear on the main YouTube app, they confirmed, as a way to give transparency to listeners. Labels will be found directly on the player page.

"We’re teaming up with music partners and using our own detection tools to identify AI-generated tracks, applying the same labelling principles already used across YouTube," they confirmed.

It’s the latest music streaming platform to roll out AI tagging systems following an announcement that Apple Music will also begin labelling AI-made music in August.

While Apple Music and YouTube Music do not currently ban tracks made using artificial intelligence, unlike platforms such as Bandcamp and Beatport, they both use detection tools to seek it out.

Read this next: Apple Music to introduce tag for AI-generated tracks

Spotify announced a similar crackdown on AI-generated music in August, unveiling plans for an "AI artist" tag on tracks. Music with those tags will be automatically blocked from algorithm recommendations.

"Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for viewers and listeners to have the right information and clarity when it comes to the music they listen to," YouTube Music said.

YouTube Music explained that tags will now appear after users tap a label below a song, which will open a "simple menu that shares more information".

Read YouTube Music's full statement here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor

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