Spotify is beta testing a feature called “Artist Profile Protection” aimed at allowing artists to review and approve releases before they are published on their profiles. The initiative seeks to provide artists with greater control over which tracks are associated with their name, a concern exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of AI-generated music.
The feature addresses a long-standing issue of music being misattributed to the wrong artist, a problem intensified by AI tracks that are easy to produce. Spotify stated that protecting artist identity is a priority for 2026. The company acknowledged ongoing frustrations within the music community regarding erroneous releases.
Artists participating in the beta program can approve or decline tracks sent to Spotify. Only approved releases will appear on an artist’s profile and will affect their streaming statistics and recommendations. This measure seeks to enhance artist visibility and control, especially for those facing frequent incorrect attributions or sharing similar names with other musicians.
Spotify’s announcement follows Sony Music’s recent request for the removal of over 135,000 AI-generated songs impersonating its artists. The open distribution model has enabled independent artists to enter the music market but has also led to mistakes and misuse, as metadata errors can result in tracks appearing on incorrect artist profiles.
“When that happens, it can impact your catalog, your stats, your Release Radar, and how fans discover your music,” Spotify stated. The company highlighted that addressing these concerns has been one of the top requests from artists over the past year.
The feature is not intended for all artists but specifically designed for those who have experienced repeated incorrect releases or seek more oversight of their music representation. Participating artists will find “Artist Profile Protection” in their “Spotify for Artists” settings on both desktop and mobile platforms. When activated, they will receive email notifications regarding any music deliveries associated with their name, allowing them to approve or decline the requests accordingly.
