Music Groups Introduce AI Track Labeling System. - Insideradio.com

Eight major music industry organizations have introduced a voluntary system for labeling AI use in sound recordings. IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign are backing two track-level tags — "AI-Generated" and "AI-Assisted" — designed for adoption across digital music services.

The tags distinguish between recordings in which generative AI created the entirety or primary portion of a track — including lead vocals or key instrumental performances — and those composed substantially by humans with AI used only for select expressive elements. The system is voluntary and does not yet cover AI's use in lyrics, composition, music videos or cover art.

IFPI CEO Vikki Oakley and RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier said in a joint statement that fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music they hear, and that the labels are designed to evolve as technology and requirements change.

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said transparency is essential but only the beginning, adding that performers deserve a marketplace that recognizes and protects human creativity.

The groups cited data from Deezer, which found AI-generated tracks made up 44% of new music delivered to its platform, and from Apple Music, which has said more than one-third of uploaded tracks are fully AI-generated. A2IM CEO Ian Harrison said the labeling reflects trust between artists and fans as questions of authenticity grow.

The organizations plan to work with digital services, distributors, aggregators and standard-setting bodies on industrywide implementation. No timeline for adoption was given. Several streaming services, including Apple Music and Spotify, have already rolled out their own AI disclosure systems independent of this framework.