Several leading music industry organisations have introduced a new voluntary labelling framework for recordings created using generative artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to improve transparency for listeners and encourage wider adoption across the global music ecosystem.
The initiative, announced on July 10, is backed by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Recording Academy (Grammys), and six other industry bodies.
Highlighting the need for greater transparency, the chief executives of IFPI and RIAA said in a joint statement, "Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used. These labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency."
The framework introduces two categories of labels. The first, "AI-generated," is intended for recordings where artificial intelligence is responsible for generating the entire recording or the majority of its creative elements. This includes music created entirely from AI prompts, as well as tracks featuring AI-generated lead vocals or key instrumental components.
The second category, "AI-assisted," applies to recordings that remain primarily human-created while incorporating certain AI-generated expressive elements. Under this classification, lead vocals and primary instrumental performances must still be delivered by human artists.
The organisations said the voluntary system is designed for broad global adoption and could eventually be implemented by music streaming platforms to provide listeners with greater clarity about how AI is used in music production.
The announcement comes as streaming platforms continue to experience a rapid increase in AI-generated music. Deezer currently identifies AI-generated tracks on its platform and recently reported that nearly half of all new uploads contain AI-generated content. In June, the company also introduced an AI music detection tool that it claims delivers 99.8% accuracy.
Earlier this year, an Apple Music executive told Billboard that more than one-third of newly uploaded tracks on the platform were created entirely using AI.
Responding to the announcement, the Digital Media Association (DiMA), which represents streaming services including Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify, welcomed the move and said it looks forward to receiving more detailed AI-related metadata to improve transparency for listeners.
DiMA CEO Graham Davies said, "DiMA has long advocated for the creators, owners, and distributors of music to provide accurate and timely metadata on all music released and distributed to streaming services."
Spotify has also been expanding its efforts to address AI-generated content. In April, the company introduced its "Verified by Spotify" label to help users identify authentic artists, following earlier initiatives aimed at improving AI disclosure and preventing impersonation.
Spotify declined to comment on the latest industry initiative, while Apple Music and the Digital Media Association did not immediately respond to media queries.