Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced a licensing agreement that will allow Spotify Premium subscribers to create AI-generated covers and remixes using music from participating artists and songwriters. This paid add-on is designed to share revenue with rights holders, marking a shift toward licensed AI music generation. The deal follows controversies in 2023 when unauthorized AI-generated songs using artists like Drake and The Weeknd went viral. UMG represents major artists including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo. The announcement coincides with Google I/O, where YouTube introduced a Gemini-powered remix tool for Shorts. Spotify aims to balance innovation with artist consent and compensation.

Key facts

• Spotify and UMG announce licensing agreement for AI-generated covers and remixes.
• Paid add-on for Spotify Premium shares revenue with artists and songwriters.
• Deal follows 2023 incidents of unauthorized AI music going viral.
• YouTube also introduces AI remix tools at Google I/O.
• UMG represents top artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.