Spotify will implement identification for artists created by Artificial Intelligence

Spotify has announced a new guideline intended to distinguish artists whose identity is generated by artificial intelligence. Starting in September, these profiles will receive the 'AI Persona' badge and, by default, will be excluded from both editorial and algorithmic recommendations on the platform.

According to Spotify, this initiative aims to clarify when a profile does not correspond to a real person. However, the change does not restrict the use of AI as creative assistance in the music creation process.

Starting August 11, artists will have the option to voluntarily declare on Spotify for Artists that they are an 'AI Persona'. Nevertheless, the company will not rely solely on this declaration; it will also analyze profiles whose names and images suggest photorealistic AI-generated identities. This analysis will begin with accounts that have already reached pre-established audience levels, prioritizing the most listened-to artists.

When classified, the badge will be displayed in various parts of the platform. Artists have the right to contest this categorization if they believe the badge was applied erroneously. By default, Spotify will not include AI Personas in personalized, editorial, or algorithmic recommendation lists. There is one caveat: those who voluntarily choose to follow such artists will continue to receive their music, as the act of following is interpreted by the company as an explicit indication of the user's desire to consume more content from that artist or group.

Spotify also emphasized that the badge refers solely to the identity presented by the profile and does not constitute an evaluation of musical quality. The company explained: 'Although there is a wide variety of ways artists use AI as a creative tool, the question of whether a profile represents a real person is something Spotify can help determine clearly. This badge relates to the artist's public identity, not how the music was produced.'

This novelty expands Spotify's AI norms, which were initially announced for September 2025. The current policy covers the identification of tracks produced with AI and prohibits the use of deepfakes and voice clones without authorization. Information regarding track production will remain accessible through tools such as AI Credits and SongDNA. In the coming months, the service plans to introduce a feature that will allow users to report profiles suspected of being AI Personas that have not yet been identified.

This measure comes at a time when Spotify itself is enhancing its AI-based features, such as Prompted Playlists, AI DJ, and chat, in addition to future remixes. Justifying the decision, the company stated that 'Spotify's programming is focused on elevating the music of authentic artists who are building careers in music.' The new badges will also help distinguish between virtual artists and AI-generated remixes or covers, which will soon be permitted on the platform.