On July 10, from Washington, New York, and London, a broad coalition of music industry organizations announced a voluntary labeling initiative designed to give listeners clear information about the use of generative AI in sound recordings. The framework introduces two distinct labels: “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted,” aiming for global adoption across digital music services and other partners.
Unified Approach to Transparency
The groups behind the effort include IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), A2IM (American Association of Independent Music), WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), IMPALA (European independent music companies association), the Recording Academy (The Grammys), SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), and the Human Artistry Campaign.
In a joint statement, IFPI CEO Vikki Oakley and RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier said:
“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen. Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves.”
Rising AI Use in Music
The announcement comes as AI-generated content proliferates on streaming platforms. Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks accounted for 44% of all new music delivered to its service, while Apple Music has stated that more than one-third of tracks uploaded to its platform are “100% AI.” At the same time, a growing number of artists are using AI tools to support and enhance their creative process without replacing human input.
Industry Leaders Voice Support
Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM, said:
“The independent community knows the magic of music lives in an authentic connection between artists and fans. Technology will keep offering new ways to make and enjoy music, but that bond still runs on trust. As questions of integrity, authenticity, and provenance grow, that trust depends on people knowing what’s real. That’s why A2IM supports the whole industry coming together behind a clear, shared standard for labeling AI.”
Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN, stated:
“For artists and fans around the world, true connections and trust are everything. Clear labeling of AI-generated content is central to this: it gives fans the transparency they deserve and supports the human-centered, safety-first approach that the global independent community has championed through the WIN Principles for Generative AI. Implementing the shared standards that the music industry is collectively developing is key to navigating AI responsibly and keeping creativity at the heart of it.”
Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, said:
“As set out in IMPALA’s Digital Music Plan, establishing an industry wide framework with standard definitions regarding AI generated material and labelling is crucial and urgent for the independent sector. We welcome this as an important initial step towards a provenance system that the whole industry can embrace with pride as a quality mark. More than a labelling exercise, it is a foundational opportunity for the whole sector.”
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of The Recording Academy, commented:
“As AI continues to be integrated into the creative process, artists and fans alike deserve a clear way to communicate how and when it’s being used. This initiative ensures that creativity, authorship, and artistic intent remain at the center of every song. Giving artists the ability to tell that story strengthens trust and supports a more sustainable future for music.”
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, said:
“Transparency is essential, but it is only the beginning. Fans deserve to know when the music they hear is AI-generated or AI-assisted, and performers deserve a marketplace that recognizes, values, and protects human creativity. This framework is an important step toward giving listeners clear information. SAG-AFTRA continues to reinforce the principle that AI should not be used to replace, imitate, or exploit artists without consent and fair compensation.”
Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor, added:
“Transparency is a core Human Artistry principle, and this proposal delivers on that promise. Honesty has always been the best policy, and fans deserve to know if and how AI has been used in recordings they hear. The Human Artistry Campaign appreciates the collaboration, work and commitment to transparency made by organizations who have pulled together this landmark proposal. We look forward to broad adoption of this pro-human, pro-artist approach across the music ecosystem.”
How the Labeling System Works
The labels use visual icons to give fans quick insight into whether and how AI was used in a sound recording, supported by metadata and related delivery systems. The organizations plan to work with digital music services, distributors, aggregators, and standard-setting bodies on industry-wide implementation.
Track-level labeling across digital music services will help fans distinguish between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted” recordings using the following high-level guidelines and suggested icons:
- AI-Generated: Generative AI was used to generate the entirety or the primary portion of the sound recording.
- AI-Assisted: Generative AI was used in a limited, assistive capacity by human creators, supporting and enhancing their work without replacing core human artistry.
