RIAA, IFPI, and Industry Leaders Unite to Establish AI-Generated Song Tagging System
In a significant move for the music industry, several prominent organizations, including the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), and others, have collaborated to develop a new tagging system for AI-generated songs on streaming platforms. This initiative aims to enhance transparency for listeners regarding the use of artificial intelligence in music production.
New Tagging System for AI-Generated Music
The newly proposed system will feature two distinct tags. The first, labeled “AI-generated,” will identify songs that incorporate AI in key instrumentals, lead vocals, or are entirely created through AI prompts. The second tag, “AI-assisted,” will denote tracks that utilize AI in certain elements, while human artists still perform the lead vocals and instrumentals. According to a recent press release, these labels are expected to be implemented in the near future.
Vikki Oakley, CEO of IFPI, and Mitch Glazier, chairman and CEO of RIAA, emphasized the importance of these labels in a joint statement. They noted that fans are increasingly curious about how generative AI is utilized in the music they consume. The labels aim to provide a straightforward and scalable approach to transparency, acknowledging the diverse ways AI is creatively employed in the industry.
Industry Perspectives on AI Transparency
Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM, highlighted the significance of maintaining an authentic connection between artists and their audiences. He stated that while technology continues to evolve, the trust between artists and fans is paramount. As concerns regarding integrity and authenticity grow, a unified standard for labeling AI-generated music becomes essential.
Recent statistics from French streaming service Deezer reveal that 44% of all daily uploads are now fully AI-generated. This trend has raised alarms within the music industry, as many fear that AI-generated content could undermine the royalty pool designed for human artists and rights holders. In a lawsuit involving major music companies against AI firms Suno and Udio, concerns were raised about the potential saturation of the market with machine-generated content, which could diminish the value of genuine recordings.
The Evolution of AI Tagging in Music
The concept of tagging and labeling AI usage in music has gained traction over the past year as a response to user concerns about emerging technologies. In 2025, Deezer implemented a system for automatically tagging fully AI-generated recordings, utilizing its proprietary AI detection model. Following this, major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music introduced their own systems in 2026, allowing distributors and labels to voluntarily disclose AI involvement in recordings.
In June, Tidal announced its policy requiring distributors to identify AI-generated songs before uploading them to the platform. Tidal emphasized that the responsibility for tagging AI-generated content should not solely fall on their shoulders, indicating a collective industry effort to ensure transparency.
Responsibility for AI-Generated Music
The question of accountability for AI-generated music remains a contentious issue among streaming services, labels, distributors, and creators. Apple Music’s Oliver Schusser expressed a similar stance to Tidal, stating that all labels are likely delivering AI content, even if they are unaware. He stressed the need for content providers and labels to develop tools to understand the extent of AI usage in their offerings.
Graham Davis, president and CEO of the Digital Media Association (DIMA), reiterated the importance of accurate metadata for all music distributed to streaming services. He expressed anticipation for more detailed AI metadata, which would enhance transparency for fans. Davis emphasized that reliable information should flow seamlessly from creators to consumers, underscoring the need for collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Industry Responses to AI Labeling
In response to the initiative for labeling AI-generated and AI-assisted tracks, Suno acknowledged the complexity of the conversation surrounding AI in music. They committed to collaborating with creatives, rights holders, and platforms to find solutions that protect artists while fostering human creativity. Suno also highlighted their investment in technologies such as watermarking and audio fingerprinting to empower artists in disclosing AI usage in their work.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-07-10 16:21:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk