As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent across industries, including music, distinguishing between original recordings and AI-generated tracks is becoming more challenging. YouTube is now introducing labels to help listeners identify music created primarily using generative AI.

According to Variety, YouTube announced the move in a blog post, explaining the growing demand for transparency as AI tools become more widely used in music production.

“Generative AI is opening up new ways for artists to create, experiment, and share music. As these tools evolve, our listeners have told us they want transparency when they’re hearing an AI-generated track.”

The labels began rolling out on YouTube Music on Wednesday, with the feature set to expand to the main YouTube platform soon. The markers will cover tracks identified through YouTube’s own detection systems, as well as those flagged by its music industry partners, if they are deemed to have been “created primarily using generative AI".

YouTube’s decision comes amid wider efforts by music streaming services to improve transparency around AI-generated content. Apple Music announced in August that it would introduce “Made by AI” labels for songs later this year. Spotify, meanwhile, plans to mark artist profiles that appear to be AI-generated as “AI Personas". Tidal has also pledged to label AI-generated tracks and prevent them from earning royalties, Variety reported.

The push for greater transparency has also gained support from organisations representing musicians and the wider music industry. Groups including the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Grammys and SAG-AFTRA joined forces over the summer to advocate for a new labelling system indicating whether music was created using AI. They urged the adoption of “AI-Generated” or “AI-Assisted” indicators to help listeners understand the role of artificial intelligence in music production.