YouTube has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch the “YouTube’s Music AI Incubator” program, aimed at ensuring artists and rights holders are properly compensated for AI-generated music. The program will collaborate with artists, songwriters, and producers to address the impact of AI on music creation and compensation.
UMG’s involvement in the program reflects the music industry’s concerns about AI-generated music, particularly the use of music data to train algorithms without compensation to artists. While UMG has taken measures to address AI music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, it has also partnered with AI music company Endel to explore AI-assisted music creation on its terms.
YouTube aims to strike a balance between using AI as a creative tool for artists and establishing structures to protect artists’ intellectual property and ensure fair compensation for music used in AI models. The company highlighted its content ID system, which has generated billions in revenue for the industry by ensuring rights holders are paid for their content on the platform.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed excitement about the potential of AI to enhance creativity worldwide but emphasized the importance of ensuring the success of its partners in the endeavor.
This program reflects the ongoing discussions and challenges surrounding AI-generated content, intellectual property, and compensation within the music industry.
