New global music industry standard for AI labelling in recordings announced

The global recorded music industry has announced a new voluntary framework designed to help listeners understand how generative artificial intelligence has been used in music recordings.

The initiative, unveiled by a coalition that includes IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign, introduces two new track-level labels: "AI-Generated" and "AI-Assisted".

The labels are intended to provide greater transparency across digital music services and other industry partners by distinguishing recordings created primarily through generative AI from those where AI has been used as a tool within a human-led creative process.

Recorded Music NZ has welcomed the announcement, with Chief Executive Jo Oliver saying the framework will help provide clarity for New Zealand music fans.

"Human artistry is at the core of the music industry and New Zealand music fans deserve to know whether and how Gen AI has been used in making recordings. We look forward to supporting the global implementation of the standard."

The initiative comes amid rapid growth in AI-generated music. Streaming service Deezer recently reported that AI-generated tracks account for 44 per cent of all new uploads to its platform, while Apple Music has said more than one-third of submitted tracks are entirely AI-generated.

The labels will be supported by metadata and delivery systems across digital music services, distributors and other industry partners. The organisations behind the framework say the standard is intended to provide a consistent, globally recognised approach to transparency as AI technology continues to evolve.

Find out more here.