Apple Music’s Vice President Oliver Schusser reported that over a third of music uploads to the platform are generated entirely by artificial intelligence (AI), though user engagement with this content is markedly low at only 0.5%. Schusser highlighted the challenge this influx presents across the music industry, stating that the rise of AI-generated content is affecting multiple services, not just Apple Music.
In response to this trend, Apple Music plans to implement measures to address the prevalence of AI-generated music. Schusser disclosed that the company has developed in-house technology to identify the AI models used in music submissions. Apple will also introduce ‘Transparency Tags’, a metadata system allowing labels to disclose whether AI was used in a song’s production. This disclosure will be optional for content providers.
Despite the surge in AI music submissions, Schusser noted that it has not significantly altered user engagement patterns. “The reality is, the usage of the AI music on Apple Music is really tiny,” he said, indicating the actual figure is below 0.5% of total usage. He emphasized that the company is in the early stages of addressing the situation.
Fraud has remained a persistent issue, with Schusser referencing Apple Music’s long history of combating fraudulent uploads dating back to its iTunes days. The company recently doubled its fraud penalty, resulting in a reported 60% reduction in such uploads. Schusser stated, “We invested way more than anyone else in reducing and eliminating fraud,” highlighting the correlation between AI-generated music and fraudulent submissions.
Other streaming services have noted similar challenges. Deezer recently announced that nearly half of newly submitted music on its platform is AI-generated and subsequently stopped offering high-resolution versions of this content. Spotify has faced scrutiny for its AI tracks, removing 25 million AI-generated songs over the past year while developing strategies to manage AI content.
Schusser concluded by urging labels and content providers to take accountability for the AI music they submit, reinforcing the industry’s need for responsibility amid the rapid expansion of AI technology in music production.
