Spotify partners with major labels to develop AI music tools

Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform, has revealed plans to collaborate with major record labels to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools in a “responsible” and ethical manner.

The company said its goal is to create AI-driven features that “put artists and songwriters first” while protecting their copyright.

As part of this initiative, Spotify will license music from the industry’s three biggest players — Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. Music rights agency Merlin and digital music company Believe are also part of the agreement.

Although the specifics of the new AI tools remain unclear, Spotify confirmed that work on its first AI-based products has already begun.

The streaming giant acknowledged that opinions across the music industry vary widely when it comes to generative AI. It said artists will be able to decide for themselves whether to participate in the program.

The announcement follows growing backlash from prominent artists such as Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney, who have criticized AI companies for training their models on existing music without consent or compensation.

Spotify assured that all artists, songwriters, and rights holders involved will receive proper recognition and payment through “upfront agreements” — a proactive approach designed to ensure transparency and fairness.

“Technology should always serve artists, not the other way around,” said Alex Norstrom, Spotify’s co-president.

However, not everyone in the industry is convinced. New Orleans-based MidCitizen Entertainment described AI as having “polluted the creative ecosystem.” Managing partner Max Bonanno said AI-generated songs have “further diluted the already limited share of streaming royalties that artists receive.”

On the other hand, the move has earned praise from Ed Newton-Rex, founder of Fairly Trained, an organization advocating for fair treatment of creators in the AI space.

“Much of the AI industry is built on exploitation — using people’s work without permission and giving them no control,” he told BBC News. “Spotify’s approach appears different — fair, consent-based, and optional for both artists and listeners.

“The devil will be in the detail, but this looks like a step toward a more ethical AI landscape — something the industry desperately needs.”