YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform, is reportedly in talks with major record labels to create AI-generated music. The move appears to be part of YouTube's broader strategy to compete with other companies in the AI music space, such as OpenAI and Meta.
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The talks are said to be focused on securing licensing deals with Universal, Sony and Warner. These deals would allow YouTube to use artists’ music for artificial intelligence training in exchange for one-time payments. The move is notable because it comes just days after those same music labels filed lawsuits against music producers AI Udio and Suno for alleged copyright infringement
YouTube has already experimented with AI-generated music through a tool called “Dream Track” for Shorts. This tool allowed a select group of creators to create unique versions of songs in the style of various artists with their consent. YouTube now wants to expand its collection of artists and songs for AI-generated music, but not necessarily for Dream Tracks.
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YouTube’s interest in AI-generated music aligns with Google. Google has already announced a Music AI Incubator in partnership with Universal Music Group and has published YouTube’s principles for music AI, promising to “embrace it responsibly together with our music partners.”
However, the rise of AI-generated music has also raised concerns among musicians. Many artists are concerned about the potential threats AI poses to human creativity and fair payments. An open letter signed by more than 200 artists, including Billie Eilish and Stevie Wonder, denounced the use of AI in music, particularly when it involves training AI models on music without the artist’s consent.
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Meanwhile, YouTube requires creators to flag videos created with genetic AI or risk penalties. Artists can also request the removal of AI-generated music uploaded without their permission. As licensing deals with AI companies become more common, it will be interesting to see how different platforms balance this new world of AI versus human creativity.
Source: phonearena
