Culture
20 Aug 26

Study shows 40% of music released in July was AI generated

Photo by Deybson Mallony

“The independent community knows the magic of music lives in an authentic connection between artists and fans. Technology will keep offering new ways to make and enjoy music, but that bond still runs on trust," said Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM (American Association of Independent Music).

A recent study by the music platform SubmitHub has revealed that approximately 40% of music released in July used AI in some way.

The study used SubmitHub's new technology, SH Labs, which aims to tackle the "growing disclosure problem."

SH Labs looked at over one million releases, finding that 23.2% of songs were fully AI generated, with a further 15.3% of songs showing signs of AI audio that had been modified by humans.

When asked by SubmitHub representatives, 31% of artists found to be using AI claimed they had not used any AI tools.

"People should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to engage with AI-generated music. Our job is to give them enough information to make that choice," said SubmitHub's CEO Jason Grishkoff.

AI music has become a rising issue, with many music streaming platforms including Beatport, TIDAL, Deezer and SoundCloud updating their policies in an attempt to minimize AI music output and make listeners aware of potential AI music.

Spotify has introduced a new labelling system, allowing users to identify AI artists, with Apple Music following a similar system.

Bandcamp has completely banned AI music from their platform, removing artists such as Boy George for using AI in his new single.

Music streaming services have also noted that AI artists such as Sienna Rose and Velvet Sundown have generated millions of streams, with AI artist Xania Monet even debuting on multiple US Billboard Charts.

In 2024, more than 200 artists including Billie Eilish, Mumford and Sons, Chappell Roan, Stevie Wonder and Pearl Jam signed an open letter calling for AI companies to: “Cease the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists.”

IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA & Human Artistry Campaign have teamed up with music creators and companies from around the world to develop an AI labelling system.

This label will show if a song is entirely AI generated or AI assisted, each with their own respective label. This is to ensure full transparency to music listeners.

“For artists and fans around the world, true connections and trust are everything. Clear labelling of AI-generated content is central to this: it gives fans the transparency they deserve and supports the human-centred, safety-first approach that the global independent community has championed, " said Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN (Worldwide Independent Network).