Using artificial intelligence to generate music is not a new phenomenon. As far back as 1957, composer Leonard Isaacson and mathematician Lejaren Hiller used the early computer Illiac to produce compositions. Machine learning has been employed in music for decades. However, the landscape shifted dramatically with the launch of Suno in late 2023 and Udio in early 2024. These tools enabled anyone to create songs across various genres simply by typing text prompts, similar to how generative AI produces text, images, and video.

The quality of the output is now so high that distinguishing AI-generated music from human-made tracks is increasingly difficult. According to a November 2025 Ipsos survey commissioned by Deezer, only 3% of listeners can reliably tell the difference. A nearly unanimous majority—96%—demands clear labeling of AI-generated music. By April 2026, AI-generated tracks constituted 44% of all uploads on Deezer, with similar trends on Spotify.

Millions of Tracks, Few Listeners

Despite the surge in AI-produced music, listener interest remains minimal. AI-generated music accounts for only 1% to 3% of total streams on Deezer, and Spotify reported less than 1%. Furthermore, 40% of listeners say they would avoid AI-generated music entirely if they could. Daniel Johansson, from the trade magazine Musikindustrin, explains: "The main reason people don't listen to fully AI-generated music is that most of it is of poor quality. Yet this is changing. The most interesting releases now combine human creativity with AI. Tools have evolved beyond simple prompting, enabling a hybrid approach that appeals to listeners."

Copyright Issues

The legal landscape for AI-generated music remains murky. Record labels are pursuing lawsuits against AI companies like Suno for training models on copyright-protected material without licenses. Suno, in particular, has faced industry backlash for refusing to obtain proper licenses. Meanwhile, other platforms have embraced licensing. On the flip side, many amateur creators are uncertain about the copyright status of their AI-generated works. In countries like Sweden and the U.S., human involvement is necessary for copyright; a fully AI-generated track based solely on a text prompt typically cannot be copyrighted. Suno's terms of service place legal liability on the user, while Udio (as of early 2026) prohibits any commercial use of generated music.

The Difference Between AI and AI

Anders Ekman, senior lecturer at Örebro University, notes that AI usage in the music industry is increasing, but the unreported figure remains unknown. Two songs in Melodifestivalen 2026 were partially AI-assisted. Daniel Johansson distinguishes between generative AI and functional AI: "Professional songwriters have used functional AI plugins for over a decade. The industry also employs generative AI for marketing and other tasks. They're not lagging; they're protecting their rights."

Clearer Labelling on the Way

Efforts are underway to develop metadata systems that identify AI involvement. All major streaming services, distributors, copyright societies, and licensed AI companies are collaborating on new formats, expected by 2027. Suno is among a handful of companies opting out.

How to Tell if a Song is Made with AI

Until robust labeling exists, listeners can look for warning signs:

• An artist churning out new music: Multiple albums in a few months is unusual for humans.
• Lack of information: Check artist pages for details, photos, credits, or Wikipedia entries.
• AI-generated covers and visuals: Album art or music videos that appear AI-produced often accompany AI music.
• No live performances: Live shows are a strong indicator of human artists.
• No social media presence: Little or unnatural social media activity can be a red flag.

None of these signs are definitive, but they help listeners navigate an increasingly blurry musical landscape. As the industry moves toward transparency, the ultimate trust may lie in the listener's ear and gut feeling.

The rapid evolution of generative AI in music raises profound questions about creativity, ownership, and authenticity. While technology democratizes music production, it also challenges traditional notions of artistry. The next few years will likely see further refinement of both tools and regulations, shaping how we experience and value music in an AI-augmented world.

Source: PCWorld News