Several leading organisations from the global music industry have introduced a new voluntary labeling system for music created using generative artificial intelligence (AI), in a move aimed at improving transparency for listeners and creators alike.
The initiative was announced on Friday by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), alongside six other organisations, including the Recording Academy (Grammys) and the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA.
The organisations said the labels are designed to help audiences better understand the role AI has played in the creation of music.
Two labels for AI-created music
Under the new framework, two distinct labels have been introduced.
The first, “AI-generated,” will be used for recordings in which artificial intelligence created all or most of the key creative elements. This includes songs produced entirely from AI prompts, as well as tracks where the lead vocals or primary instrumental performances were generated by AI.
The second label, “AI-assisted,” applies to music that remains predominantly the result of human creativity but incorporates certain AI-generated expressive elements.
For a recording to qualify as AI-assisted, the lead vocals and primary instrumental performances must still be performed by humans, ensuring that the core artistic expression comes from human creators.
Industry seeks global adoption
According to IFPI and RIAA, music fans increasingly want to know whether and how AI has been used in the songs they listen to.
In a joint statement, the organisations said the new labels provide “an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency.”
The labeling system is voluntary but has been designed for broad global adoption, including by music streaming platforms and digital music services.
Today IFPI with @RIAA, @a2im, @winformusic, @IMPALAMusic, @GrammyAwardsRS, @sagaftra & @human_artistry have announced a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI (GenAI) in sound recordings https://t.co/e0NBWni738
— IFPI (@IFPI_org) July 10, 2026
Growing use of AI in music
The announcement comes as AI-generated music continues to grow rapidly across streaming platforms.
Music streaming service Deezer already automatically labels AI-generated tracks. The company recently reported that nearly half of all newly uploaded songs contain AI-generated content. In June, Deezer also introduced an AI music detection system that it says is 99.8% accurate.
Earlier this year, an executive from Apple Music told Billboard that more than one-third of newly uploaded tracks on the platform were created entirely using artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, Spotify introduced its “Verified by Spotify” label in April to help users identify authentic artists. The platform has also announced measures to improve AI disclosure and combat impersonation, although it declined to comment on the newly announced industry labels.
A step toward greater transparency
The rapid advancement of generative AI has transformed music production by enabling users to create songs, vocals and instrumentals with simple text prompts. While the technology offers new creative opportunities, it has also raised concerns over copyright, artist impersonation, and consumer awareness.
Industry leaders believe the new labeling system will help strike a balance between embracing technological innovation and ensuring that listeners clearly understand how the music they enjoy has been created.
