Spotify is rolling out a new AI product aimed at improving the experience for music fans in partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG).
Billboard reports that Spotify users will be able to create covers and remixes of songs by participating UMG artists and songwriters. The update was announced during Spotify’s Investor Day presentation on May 21 and is made possible by a licensing deal that covers recorded music and publishing rights, enabling Spotify to release generative AI music tools.
Spotify sees this as an opportunity to increase exposure and revenue for UMG artists.
“Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part. Through each technological transformation, we have worked together with Sir Lucian and his team to evolve the music ecosystem into a richer, more beneficial experience for fans and a more rewarding outcome for artists and songwriters,” said Alex Norström, co-CEO of Spotify, according to Billboard.
Lucian Grainge, CEO of UMG, added:
“The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together. That principle is at the heart of this pioneering AI-enabled superfan initiative, which is designed to support human artistry, deepen fan relationships, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters. Building on our long track record of leading the industry through technology changes, and collaborating with Alex, Gustav, Daniel, and the team at Spotify, this initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI, and will drive growth for the entire ecosystem.”
Spotify did not announce a launch timeline for the AI tools, but they will be available to premium users.
The announcement also coincides with another AI innovation coming to Spotify. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Spotify will also launch AI-generated personalized podcasts that users can schedule daily or weekly, with the option to select a voice and add more detail by inserting text, PDFs, or links.
“You can create a daily briefing, a deep dive on a topic you’re curious about, or a weekly roundup of whatever’s on your mind,” Spotify said, per The Hollywood Reporter. “Ask ‘Share my daily city updates, and tell me about local concerts from artists I love’ or ‘Help me understand economics in five minutes,’ and Spotify will create a tailored audio overview while linking you to relevant episodes, shows, and creators where you can explore more.”
The feature will be available through users’ libraries and will launch for eligible premium users in June, per Billboard.
