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Spotify introduces 'Verified' badges for human artists
Spotify has launched a new verification system to help users identify artists who are confirmed as human, rather than AI-generated. The feature, marked by a green checkmark and the label 'Verified by Spotify,' will appear next to artist names for those meeting specific authenticity criteria.
How verification works
The streaming platform will assess artists based on factors such as linked social media accounts, consistent listener engagement, merchandise sales, and concert dates. Spotify stated that over 99% of artists actively searched by users-amounting to hundreds of thousands-will receive verification.
The company emphasized that priority will be given to artists with significant contributions to music culture, rather than those perceived as 'content farms.' The rollout of badges is expected to take several weeks.
Criticism and limitations
While the move aims to address concerns about AI-generated music, some critics argue the system may disadvantage human artists who lack the markers used for verification, such as touring or selling merchandise. Ed Newton-Rex, a creators' rights advocate and former AI executive, suggested Spotify could instead focus on labeling AI-generated music directly, as some competitors do.
"This approach could punish real human artists who don't meet the verification criteria, like those who don't tour or sell merch."
Ed Newton-Rex, creators' rights campaigner
Nick Collins, a music professor at the University of Durham, described the decision as expected amid the debate over generative AI but noted that verifying music itself would be more complex. He highlighted that AI usage in music is not binary-many artists blend human and AI elements.
"AI usage isn't a simple divide between 'fully human-made' and 'fully AI-generated.' There are many in-between cases."
Nick Collins, Professor of Music, University of Durham
Spotify's stance on AI music
Spotify has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of AI-generated content. Users in community forums have repeatedly called for clearer labeling of AI music or explanations for why subscribers pay full price while AI-generated tracks proliferate on the platform.
In 2023, then-CEO Daniel Ek stated the company had no plans to ban AI-created music entirely. However, incidents like the case of The Velvet Sundown-a band with a verified profile and 850,000 monthly listeners before accusations of being AI-generated-have fueled skepticism. The band's profile now identifies itself as a 'synthetic music project' with AI support and has 126,000 monthly listeners.
What's next
Spotify's verification system will begin appearing for users in the coming weeks. The company has not yet addressed whether it will expand labeling to include AI-generated music directly.
