- ‘Verified by Spotify’ badge rolling out in the coming weeks
- Certifies that the artist is real, not an AI creation
- There is no way to use the information to filter playlists, at the moment
Spotify listeners are increasingly frustrated by the proliferation of AI in the streamer’s library. The service has taken some steps to fix this, such as allowing artists to approve songs on their profile, but fans’ more proactive AI blockers have conflicted with streamers’ ToS. But Spotify is finally doing something with a more solid impact.
The streaming giant has announced ‘Verified by Spotify’, a verification mark badge that will begin appearing on artists’ profiles (and next to their name on playlists) in the coming months. It looks similar to verification checks on other platforms, such as Instagram or X.
This badge does not explicitly label an artist as a real person, but as someone who follows three principles: they must have consistent activity over time (both from themselves and from listeners); comply with Spotify policies; and have evidence that it is a real person (or persons).
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The latter is the deciding factor; Evidence like concert dates, products sold, linked social media accounts, and more factors help Spotify decide if an artist is real.
According to the platform, “at launch, profiles that appear to primarily represent AI-generated artists or people with AI are not eligible for verification,” and later clarified that “we will continue to develop our approach over time.” So hopefully a Verified by Spotify check means an artist is real. nowbut technically it might not continue to mean that in the future, depending on how the service “develops” its approach.
Half measures
Music fans have been asking for filters to prevent AI music from reaching algorithmically generated playlists and so they can support their favorite artists without money going to the AI ​​generators. These verification options seem like a good way to implement it; I wish I could tell the system to only play verified artists in those types of playlists, but that doesn’t seem to be an option at the moment, which just seems like a missed opportunity.
Instead of changes like that, we’ll have to post tips on how to spot AI-generated music on Spotify, so you can avoid it yourself, as fans avoid some of Spotify’s core features to stay away from it.
The issue is proving fantastic for rival music streaming platforms, with Deezer finding success with its AI detection tools and Qobuz also climbing the streaming charts. Even Apple Music is taking a stand against AI-generated music.
In previous comments to TechRadar, Spotify has stated that it removed 75 million AI tracks last year, but continued fan annoyance over the proliferation of junk shows that there really is more to do.
And while the Verified by Spotify label may help in some ways, it won’t actively affect the type of songs that appear in your playlists, at least not yet. But as a first step in helping users take control, this is a solid step.
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