Enough is enough, Apple will put labels on AI-generated songs in Apple Music

Apple Music is preparing to label AI-generated songs later this year, making it easier for listeners to know when AI played a major role in creating a track. The move comes as AI-generated music becomes increasingly common on streaming platforms.Apple Music will start labelling AI-generated songs later this year. (Credit: Pexels)AI-generated content is now everywhere, and it is swamping the music streaming landscape as well. Earlier this month, Spotify started putting labels on artist profiles that appear to represent AI-generated identities, and now Apple Music may be preparing to make AI-generated songs easier to spot as well.Apple Music is set to introduce labels for songs created with AI later this year. The labels will be based on AI transparency information provided by record labels and music distributors, giving listeners a clearer idea of whether AI played a major role in creating the music they are hearing.Apple Music will make AI labels visible to listenersApple Music had already introduced AI transparency tags in March, but those tags were designed for record labels and distributors to disclose when uploadeded content was materially generated using AI. The upcoming change will make that information visible to listeners through labels on Apple Music.According to Apple Music, content providers will be required to include these tags whenever AI was used to create a material portion of a track. This also covers songs primarily derived from generative AI services. The Apple-owned service has not explained exactly how it plans to enforce the requirement. It also hasn't revealed a specific date for when listeners will start seeing the labels, saying only that they are coming later this year.The move comes as the music industry becomes increasingly concerned about the flood of AI-generated content and the possibility of fake streams. Apple Music's own numbers show just how quickly the trend is growing. Apple Music head Oliver Schusser previously said that more than a third of new monthly uploads were AI-generated songs, although the actual listening activity for those songs was less than 1 per cent.Spotify and Apple Music are taking different approachesApple isn't the only major streaming platform trying to bring some order to the AI music boom. Spotify has also been working on ways to tell listeners more about the music and artists they encounter.Spotify recently announced an “AI Persona” badge for artist profiles that appear to represent AI-generated identities. The badge can appear on artist profiles, search results and track rows, helping listeners understand when the artist behind a profile may not be a real person.- EndsPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 11:57 IST