Overview

• Spotify announced a collaboration with Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe to co‑develop generative AI products focused on creators.
• Partners endorsed four guiding principles: upfront licensing with rightsholders, opt‑in participation for artists, transparent pay and new revenue streams, and tools that strengthen artist–fan connections.
• Spotify said it has begun building a generative AI research lab and product team, noting early product work is underway but offering no technical details or launch timelines.
• Executives from the participating companies publicly backed the approach, framing it as a rights‑respecting path that requires direct licensing before any new AI features debut.
• The announcement follows Spotify’s recent AI safeguards, including removing over 75 million spam tracks, policing vocal deepfakes and fraudulent uploads, and adopting DDEX labeling for AI usage.