Music industry launches labels for AI-generated songs amid surge in AI music

A coalition of major music organizations has introduced a voluntary labeling system for AI-generated music, as platforms like Deezer and Apple Music report that a significant portion of new tracks are now created by artificial intelligence. The system, announced on July 10-14, 2026, aims to provide transparency for listeners.

The new labeling system

Led by the IFPI, RIAA, Grammys, SAG-AFTRA, and others, the labels distinguish between "Generated by AI" (where AI creates most or all of the recording's creative elements) and "Assisted by AI" (where humans remain central but use AI for some expressive elements). The labels apply to sound recordings only, not lyrics, composition, or cover art Source: Infobae, El Nacional. The system is voluntary and designed for adoption by streaming services, distributors, and aggregators Source: Infobae.

Scale of AI-generated music

Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks made up 44% of all new music submissions to its platform, while Apple Music estimates over a third of its new tracks are "100% AI" Source: El Día, Diario Libre. Spotify has also partnered with Universal Music Group to let Premium users create remixes with AI, promising new revenue streams for artists Source: El Confidencial.

World Cup and 'ghost artists'

The World Cup 2026 has further spotlighted the trend: Deezer found that over 70% of songs titled "World Cup 2026" are labeled as AI-generated Source: La Vanguardia. Spanish team's official playlist includes tracks by "ghost artists" like OnMusic, Nalaia Lyrics, and OM.Vi, which exhibit AI-generated imagery and minimal artist info Source: La Vanguardia. Some of these tracks have millions of plays on Spotify, raising questions about transparency and fairness to human artists.