APPLE MUSIC TO FLAG AI-GENERATED MUSIC WITH NEW METADATA TAGS
Apple Music is introducing a new system that will let listeners know when artificial intelligence has been used in the creation of music on its platform.
The streaming service plans to roll out so-called “Transparency Tags”, which will be added to track metadata when labels or rights-holders disclose that AI tools were used during the production process. The change was announced via an Apple Music newsletter last week, outlining how distributors will now need to provide information about AI involvement when uploading music.
The tags will cover several elements of a release, including artwork, the audio recording itself, the composition and lyrics, and accompanying music videos. A “track” tag will identify when AI played a role in creating a significant portion of the recording, while a separate “composition” tag will indicate the use of AI in writing elements such as lyrics.
Apple says the move is intended to bring greater transparency to the music industry as AI tools become increasingly common in music production. The company emphasised that accurate tagging will help provide the data needed to shape future policies around AI-generated content.
However, the responsibility for declaring AI use will sit with labels and rights-holders submitting the music. If AI involvement is not reported during upload, the tags will not appear on the platform.
The update arrives amid a growing surge of AI-generated music being uploaded to streaming services. French platform Deezer recently revealed it receives roughly 60,000 AI-generated tracks every day — accounting for around 39% of its daily uploads — and claims to be the only service currently tagging AI-generated tracks directly on its platform.
