Spotify launches verification badges for human artists

Still having trouble knowing when you’re streaming AI-generated music instead of human-made tracks? Spotify is trying to help.

On April 30, the streaming giant announced that it would launch an official “Verified by Spotify” badge on its platform to distinguish human artists from solely synthetic profiles.

The badge, a light green checkmark next to the artist’s name, is determined by an automatic filtering system based on the listener’s profile engagement history and activity, compliance with Spotify policies, and authenticity markers found on and off the platform. For example, Spotify’s system will search for live concert dates, merchandise and linked social accounts.

Spotify says it will also use human reviewers to verify profiles “behaving in good faith”, initially based on the most searched artists on the platform. The company says the policy will continue to evolve with the music industry, including consideration of human artists who use AI to create music.

In addition to verification, Spotify is currently testing detailed artist information – similar to “nutritional information” on food products – which will provide more context about an artist’s story and authenticity. Artists will also have greater control over what appears on their profiles.

The badge will be rolled out slowly over the next few weeks.

Users have drawn attention to a growing number of AI-generated songs and AI-only artist pages on Spotify, as well as an increase in algorithmic recommendations that push AI music into users’ playlists. Last year, the platform came under fire for allegedly adding AI-generated music to profiles of deceased artists. Many Spotify listeners have bristled at the presence of entirely AI-generated profiles on the streaming app and have called for visible AI disclosures on music pages. Spotify has already announced extensive spam filtering systems, AI disclosures and impersonation policies.

In January, the company told Mashable editor-in-chief Rachel Thompson that the platform “does not give any special treatment to AI-generated music.” A Spotify spokesperson added: “While we don’t penalize artists who use AI responsibly, we are aggressive in taking down content farms, copycats, or anyone trying to game the system.”