by Spotify have announced plans to “develop responsible AI products” in collaboration with major labels.
The new initiative, announced on October 16th, is by Spotify in collaboration with Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe.
In a press release, Spotify noted how “AI technology is advancing quickly” which is why they believe it is “critical for the music industry to join forces and act together to protect creativity while enabling innovation”.
They said of the initiative: “Some voices in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We don’t. Musicians’ rights matter. Copyright is essential. If the music industry doesn’t lead in this moment, AI-powered innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent, or compensation.”
The statement continued, “Together with rightsholders, artists, and songwriters, we are making significant investments in AI research and product development.”
They also promised that all products they establish through the collaboration “will put artists and songwriters first”. At this stage, they have yet to reveal what products are in development.
Spotify also shared the four key pillars for the project, which are through partnering with labels, distributors and publishers to develop new products for artists and fans, ensuring artists and rightsholders consent to their involvement, creating a new revenue stream for artists and rightsholders, and finally, using AI to bolster the connection between artists and fans.
The streaming platform continued: “We’ve begun building a state-of-the-art generative AI research lab and product team focused on developing technologies that reflect our principles.” They assert their goal is to “ensure the future of music innovation happens responsibly”.
In a statement, Alex Norström, co-president and chief business officer at Spotify, said: “Technology should always serve artists, not the other way around. Our focus at Spotify is making sure innovation supports artists by protecting their rights, respecting their creative choices, and creating new ways for fans to discover and enjoy the music they love.”
The press release also included statements from record label chiefs, including Rob Stringer at Sony Music and Universal Music Group’s Sir Lucian Grange, who said, “It is essential that we work with strategic partners such as Spotify to enable Gen AI products within a thriving commercial landscape in which artists, songwriters, fans, music companies and technology companies can all flourish.”
The announcement of the project comes after Spotify recently outlined plans to partner with ChatGPT to offer recommendations to users, which the streamer said is “a powerful new way for fans to connect with the artists and creators they love conversationally”.
Spotify is now in ChatGPT 🤝Starting today, ChatGPT Free, Plus, and Pro users in 145 markets can get personalized music and podcast recommendations in English right inside ChatGPT. https://t.co/3KJWE2UZfX pic.twitter.com/0aEHwqoI1N
— Spotify News (@SpotifyNews) October 6, 2025
