Streaming Platforms Are About To Be Flooded With AI-Generated Music

The Weeknd’s hit song “Die for You” opens with a familiar intro. However, as the first verse begins, we hear a different vocalist: Michael Jackson – or rather, a machine simulation of his voice.

Artificial intelligence is making its way into the music industry, as demonstrated by the increasing number of AI-made covers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Users are eager to try software like covers.ai, which has a waiting list. Additionally, tools are now available that generate instrumentals from text, provide a starting beat or inspiration, and aid in editing tunes.

AI undoubtedly accelerates music creation, but this increase coincides with the oversaturation of content on music streaming services. Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify have over 100 million songs. It would take hundreds of years to listen to all of the 100 million songs on these platforms, not to mention the additional content on SoundCloud.

AI tools have made music creation more accessible. But this could result in a deluge of AI-generated content flooding streaming platforms and competing with human compositions for listeners’ attention.

UMG issues statement on AI as Spotify, Apple and SoundCloud pull 'fake Drake & The Weeknd' track https://t.co/mGxcIbgTTu #AI #Drake pic.twitter.com/duBXCUWegW

— Music Week (@MusicWeek) April 18, 2023

The Music Industry’s Trepidation with Innovation

Innovation has historically made the music industry apprehensive before it ultimately adopts it. Martin Clancy, editor of the book “Artificial Intelligence and Music Ecosystem” states that, in the past, every new development was perceived as the death of music.

Unlike automated drum machines, computerized synths, or Napster, AI’s impact on the music industry extends beyond these developments. Martin Clancy asserts that AI’s scale, speed, and personalization ability set it apart. AI is capable of producing a vast amount of material, which could surpass human output.

AI is also beneficial for amateur creators. According to Tatiana Cirisano, a music industry analyst and MIDiA Research consultant, people may use generators for amusement rather than to compete with professionals. However, their output could still saturate the market.

The potential influx of amateur-generated music poses a challenge since some music streaming platforms can’t distinguish between professional and amateur content. According to Tatiana Cirisano, Spotify will become the platform where large portions of consumer-created music mix in with everything else.

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