A coalition of global music industry organizations has unveiled a voluntary labeling framework designed to tell listeners when and how generative AI (GenAI) was used in a sound recording. Announced on July 10, 2026, the initiative comes from IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Recording Academy (the Grammys), SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign.
The program introduces two distinct labels: “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted.” The labels are intended for broad adoption across digital music services and other platforms, with a design that can adapt as technology and regulatory requirements evolve.
In a joint statement, Vikki Oakley, CEO of IFPI, and Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of RIAA, 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 being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labelling grows and technology evolves.”
The move comes as AI-generated content floods streaming platforms. Deezer reported in April that AI-generated tracks accounted for 44% of all new music delivered to its service, while Apple Music has said 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, rather than replace, their creative work. The new labels aim to help fans distinguish between recordings created entirely by AI and those where human artists used AI in limited ways.
Two-tier labeling system
The framework provides track-level labeling across digital music services, supported by metadata and delivery systems. The “AI-Generated” label applies to recordings where generative AI was used to create the entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements. The “AI-Assisted” label is intended for tracks where human artists used AI in limited, supportive ways.
Industry leaders voice support
Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM (American Association of Independent Music), 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 labelling AI.”
Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), said:
“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, the European independents association, 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 (the Grammys), said:
“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, said:
“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.”
Implementation and next steps
The labels build on existing work by other partners to create a harmonized, fan-friendly standard for the music ecosystem. They will use visual icons and embedded metadata to give fans quick insight, while also helping platforms comply with emerging regulatory requirements across jurisdictions. The organizations plan to work with digital music services, distributors, aggregators, and standard-setting bodies to drive industry-wide adoption.
