When you check out “New Music Friday” on Spotify, you may notice a change. Spotify has introduced a new feature called “Verified by Spotify” badge to help users identify artists who are not AI-generated.
AI-generated music has become popular on the platform, gathering millions of streams. In a recent announcement on its website, Spotify unveiled a green badge with a check mark meant to differentiate genuine artists from AI-generated or AI-persona accounts.
Artists eligible for the badge must meet specific criteria, including consistent listener activity and engagement over time, as well as maintaining a presence on and off the platform through social media links, live performances, and merchandise sales.
Spotify mentioned that artists need at least 10,000 active listeners over three consecutive months to qualify for verification. The company also considers artists who have made significant contributions to music culture or are gaining cultural momentum.
Andrew Cash, the president of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), noted the importance of distinguishing AI-generated music from human-created content, a move welcomed by artists and fans. However, he expressed concerns that Spotify’s verification criteria could pose challenges for new and independent artists trying to reach wider audiences.
Who’s Verified?
A scan of the Spotify app reveals that popular artists like Madonna, BTS, and Bad Bunny now sport the “Verified by Spotify” badge. Canadian talents such as The Beaches, Cameron Whitcomb, and Jeremy Dutcher have also received the badge.
However, some artists like bbno$, Joni Mitchell, Roy Orbison, Celia Cruz, and others are yet to be verified. Spotify plans to continue verifying artists over the coming weeks and on an ongoing basis.
Spotify clarified that the verification process does not currently extend to podcasts, despite the presence of AI-generated content in the podcasting industry.
Maintaining Authenticity
To safeguard the authenticity of artists, Spotify introduced the verification system. Similarly, various social media platforms have implemented verification badges to distinguish real accounts from fake ones. While other platforms monetize their verification badges, Spotify has stated that it has no plans for monetization in this regard.
Cash highlighted potential challenges for smaller artists due to the verification process, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency in Spotify’s approach.
Looking Ahead
Spotify’s verification system is still evolving, with possible changes in guidelines to address AI-generated content. Other platforms like Apple Music and Deezer have also introduced measures to inform users about AI-generated music and provide filtering options.
Artists, including Taylor Swift, are taking steps to protect their music and identities from potential misuse through artificial intelligence. These actions underscore the evolving landscape of technology in the music industry.
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