YouTube is reportedly in active talks with major record labels like Universal Music Group (UMG), Warner Music Group (WMG), and Sony Music to secure licensing for their songs. This move is essential for YouTube to legally train its AI song generators. The Google-owned platform is planning to launch new AI tools this year and needs the consent of these record labels to use their music for training purposes.
Artists and their labels have been hesitant about AI music generation. Many fear that it could devalue their work. A music industry executive noted, “Technically, the companies have the copyrights, but we have to think through how to play it — we don’t want to be seen as a Luddite.”
YouTube and AI : Experiments continue after Dream Track
Last year, YouTube tested an AI tool called “Dream Track,” which allowed users to create short music clips using text prompts. This tool mimicked the sound of well-known singers, including Charli XCX, John Legend, and Troye Sivan, who had agreed to participate. Dream Track was tested with a small group of creators.
Now, YouTube is looking to involve more artists in its new AI song generator, set to launch later this year. The company stated, “We’re not looking to expand Dream Track, but are in conversations with labels about other experiments.”
As AI companies like OpenAI face legal challenges over unauthorized use of copyrighted material, they are pushed to secure licensing agreements with media groups. These deals are often valued in the tens of millions of dollars. For the music industry, the agreements would be different, focusing on a select group of artists rather than a blanket license. Instead of royalty-based arrangements like those with streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, these deals would be one-off payments similar to those from social media companies like Snap or Meta.
“We are always testing new ideas and learning from our experiments,” said YouTube. “It’s an important part of our innovation process. We will continue on this path with AI and music as we build for the future.”
YouTube’s efforts come at a critical time as it seeks to balance innovation with the concerns of artists and labels. By securing the necessary licenses, YouTube aims to lead the way in AI music generation while ensuring that artists’ rights and interests are respected.
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An entity of flesh and bones in pursuit of becoming a higher being. A connoisseur of the mystic arts and everything musical. His origins are unknown, and so are his true motives.
