Is it genuine, or are pop star vocal performances being mimicked on YouTube?
YouTube has introduced new AI audio experiments with the assistance of Google’s DeepMind artificial intelligence test. Among YouTube’s AI tests, Wish Track in YouTube Shorts stands out as the most intriguing (and possibly unsettling). The process is as follows: a user inputs a concept quickly, selects a participating artist, and voilà! A unique 30-second song snippet is created, featuring the AI-generated voice of the chosen artist.
Nine artists, including Alec Benjamin, Charlie Puth, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, John Legend, Papoose, Sia, T-Pain, and Troye Sivan, have collaborated with YouTube on the Dream Track experiment.
Lovato expressed that “The advancement of AI technology is rapidly reshaping the landscape, and as artists, we have a role in shaping the future.” She emphasized her career focus on pushing boundaries and creating captivating music for her fans. Lovato remains open-minded and optimistic about the potential success and educational value of Google and YouTube’s research.
According to Lyria, a movie platform, Journey Track is powered by Google DeepMind’s “most advanced music-generation design to date.” Dream Track and YouTube’s other initial AI music tools are currently accessible to only a “small group of artists and creators.” YouTube is seeking feedback to enhance future products and resources.
Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s head of music, and Toni Reid, VP of emerging ventures and community products, highlighted in a blog post that the experiment aims to explore how these systems can foster deeper connections between artists, creators, and their fans. They likened the impact of AI in music to the transformative effect of the synthesizer on digital and rock music.
Both Charlie Puth and T-Pain expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with YouTube in utilizing AI technology to enhance creativity. Puth commended YouTube’s approach to AI, ensuring that it serves as a tool to amplify creativity rather than replace it. T-Pain shared his excitement for the partnership, emphasizing his commitment to leveraging technology to create compelling music for his audience.
The use of AI to mimic artists’ voices and styles has sparked debates and challenges. Universal Music Group previously took action against an AI-generated song titled “Heart on My Sleeve,” which mimicked the styles of Drake and the Weeknd without their involvement.
UMG’s chairman and CEO, Lucian Grainge, stressed the importance of balancing innovation with protection for artists. He emphasized the responsibility to evolve the modern ecosystem to safeguard artists and their work from unauthorized use, including by conceptual AI platforms.
Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, acknowledged the “issues and opportunities” presented by AI. He expressed Warner Music Group’s collaborative approach to testing AI tools with YouTube, enabling artists to explore new creative avenues.
YouTube has introduced new policies requiring creators to disclose AI-generated content to users and providing mechanisms for the removal of content that impersonates identifiable individuals or replicates an artist’s voice without authorization. These measures aim to maintain ethical standards and protect the rights of creators in the evolving landscape of AI technology.
