- A new tool being released by YouTube will allow users to create AI-generated music using the voices of popular music artists.
- The program features contributions from nine musicians, including John Legend, Demi Lovato, T-Pain, and Sia.
- This launch aligns with the evolving landscape of AI technology in the music industry, coinciding with major music labels’ involvement.
On September 27, 2019, individuals in Berlin, Germany, passed by a banner advertisement for YouTube.
Sean Gallup | Getty Pictures
YouTube announced the upcoming release of a new AI-powered tool that enables users to compose music using the vocal styles of renowned musicians.
Nine music artists, such as John Legend, Demi Lovato, T-Pain, and Sia, collaborated to produce the “Dream Track” album. Users can create short musical snippets lasting up to 30 seconds with the distinctive tone and style of a chosen artist by following text-based instructions.
Initially, around 100 creators in the United States will have access to the tool upon its launch. The tool will be exclusively accessible through YouTube Shorts, the platform’s short-form video sharing service that competes with TikTok and is under the ownership of Chinese tech giant ByteDance.
This unveiling signifies YouTube’s strategic move to leverage AI technology in music creation while addressing the ethical and legal considerations associated with such innovations, particularly concerning artists and major record labels. The unauthorized use of artists’ voices in generative AI, often likened to plagiarism, has faced criticism from both labels and legislators.
In a blog post, YouTube executives expressed their hope that the platform’s approach will be characterized by “association and responsibility,” emphasizing the transformative potential AI holds for the music industry.
Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Head of Music, and Toni Reid, VP of Emerging Technologies and Community Products, highlighted the platform’s goal to foster deeper connections between artists, creators, and fans through AI-driven initiatives.
The company showcased AI-generated music experiments developed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, featuring insights from participating artists to shape the program’s direction in the burgeoning AI music sector.
John Legend stated, “I am excited to be part of this initiative and eager to witness the creative outputs during this phase.”
Demi Lovato emphasized the importance of artists’ involvement in shaping the future of AI technology and its impact on the music landscape.
Recent months have seen a surge in AI-generated music content across online platforms, including notable tracks like “Heart On My Sleeve,” featuring AI-generated lyrics from Drake and The Weeknd. Concerns over copyright infringement prompted Universal Music Group to request the removal of such content from YouTube and other music-sharing platforms in April.
Google, YouTube’s parent company, has been actively engaged in AI research, unveiling projects like “Dream Track” and “Dream Screen,” which allow users to integrate AI-generated visuals into their content, staying at the forefront of AI innovation.
