Wide support from IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys,
SAG-AFTRA & Human Artistry Campaign
Track-level labels provide transparency for fans around the world
Digital music services and partners
NOTE: Recommended icons for AI-generated and AI-powered labels.
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK/LONDON (July 10, 2026) – Today, IFPIRIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA & Human Artistry Campaign, Representing a wide range of music producers and companies around the world, the company announced a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to provide fans with clearer information about the use of generative AI (GenAI) in sound recordings. The labels differentiate between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted” and are designed with broad, global acceptance among digital music services and other partners in mind. Labeling is intended to evolve as technology and requirements change.
“Fans want to know if and how generative AI has been used in the music they listen to. Given the importance of human artistry and authenticity to music lovers around the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We recognize the many ways in which AI is being used creatively, and therefore expect to be able to provide fans with additional information as the use of AI generative labeling increases and the technology evolves” said Vikki Oakley, IFPI CEO And Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the RIAA in a joint statement.
In April, music streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks accounted for 44% of all new music delivered to its platform, while Apple Music said more than a third of tracks uploaded to its platform were “100% AI.” At the same time, more and more artists are exploring ways to use AI to support and enhance, but not replace, their ideation and creativity. These new labels will help listeners differentiate between fully AI recordings and those where AI has been used to a limited extent by human artists.
The GenAI labels announced today build on the important work of other partners to provide a harmonized and fan-friendly approach to support the broad adoption of an industry standard across the music ecosystem.
“The independent community knows that the magic of music lives in an authentic connection between artists and fans. Technology will continue to provide new ways to make and enjoy music, but that bond is still based on trust. As questions about integrity, authenticity and provenance grow, this trust depends on people knowing what is real. That’s why A2IM is helping the entire industry unite behind a clear, common standard for labeling AI” said Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM (American Association of Independent Music).
“For artists and fans around the world, real connections and trust are everything. Clear labeling of AI-generated content is key: it gives fans the transparency they deserve and supports the human-centered, safety-first approach championed by the global independent community WIN principles for generative AI. “Implementing the common standards that the music industry is developing together is key to using AI responsibly and keeping creativity at its core.” said Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN (Worldwide Independent Network).
“As stated in IMPALA Digital music planCreating an industry-wide framework with standard definitions for AI-generated material and labeling is critical and urgently needed for the independent sector. We welcome this as an important first step towards a provenance system that the entire industry can proudly adopt as a mark of quality. It is more than just a labeling exercise, it is a fundamental opportunity for the entire sector” said Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, the European Independent Association.
“As AI continues to be integrated into the creative process, artists and fans alike deserve a clear way to communicate how and when it will be used” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys. “This initiative ensures that creativity, authorship and artistic intent are at the heart of every song. Giving artists the opportunity to tell this story builds trust and supports a more sustainable future for music.”
“Transparency is important, but it is only the beginning. Fans deserve to know when the music they are listening to is AI-generated or AI-powered, and artists deserve a marketplace that recognizes, values, and protects human creativity. This framework is an important step in providing clear information to listeners. SAG-AFTRA continues to reiterate the principle that AI should not be used to replace, imitate, or exploit artists without consent and appropriate compensation” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator.
Dr. Moiya McTier, Senior Advisor to the Human Artistry Campaign said, “Transparency is one Core principle of human art, and this proposal delivers on that promise. Honesty has always been the best policy, and fans deserve to know if and how AI was used in the recordings they hear. The Human Artistry Campaign recognizes the collaboration, work and commitment to transparency from the organizations that put together this groundbreaking proposal. We look forward to widespread adoption of this people- and artist-friendly approach across the music ecosystem.”
Using visual icons, the labels give fans a quick insight into whether and how AI was used in a sound recording – supported by metadata and associated delivery systems. This reflects the music community’s need for clarity in labeling and supports compliance with evolving requirements across jurisdictions. The organizations will work with digital music services, distributors, aggregators and standards bodies on industry-wide implementation.
Track-level labeling across all digital music services helps fans differentiate between “AI-generated” and “AI-assisted” recordings using the following general guidelines and recommended symbols:
AI generated (track level label)
Generative AI was used to generate all or most of the creative elements of the shot. These include, for example:
- AI generated main vocal performance, or
- Key instrumental performance generated by AI, or
- Fully promptly generated AI music.
AI-powered (track-level label)
The recording was largely created by humans and expresses human creativity; However, generative AI was used for some expression elements. The human played the main vocals and primary instruments.
These labels apply to the use of generative AI in sound recording and will be available for use in the near future. At this point, the system does not cover the use of generative AI in song lyrics, compositions, music videos or cover artwork.
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UM IFPI: IFPI is the voice of the recording industry worldwide, representing more than 8,000 recording companies around the world. Its mission is to promote the value of recorded music, advocate for the rights of recorded music producers, and expand the commercial use of recorded music around the world.
UM RIAA: RIAA is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and commercial vitality of music labels in the United States, the world’s most vibrant recording community. Our members – which include several hundred companies, from small and medium-sized companies to global corporations – create, produce and/or distribute sound recordings. In support of its mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels. conducts consumer, industrial and technical research; and monitors and reviews state and federal laws, regulations and policies. RIAA also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, Diamond and Los Premios De Oro y Platino™ distribution and streaming awards.
UM A2IM: The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) is the trade organization that serves as the central voice for a diverse community of over 600 independent record labels in the United States. A2IM represents its interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill and as part of the global music community. As an organization, A2IM is committed to protecting the value of independent musical contributions and influence at the political level.
UM WIN: The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) is the international organization that brings together the global independent music community. We connect and develop trade associations representing thousands of independent music companies around the world, promoting a fair, transparent and diverse music ecosystem with full market access and opportunity for all.
UM IMPALA: IMPALA is the European association of independent music companies. Its mission is to sustainably grow the independent music sector, provide greater value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change and improve access to finance. This year IMPALA celebrates its 25th anniversary with a series of interviews Faces of the independent sector and other functions, find out more here.
UM SAG-AFTRA: SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voice actors and other media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. With national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices across the country, SAG-AFTRA members work together to ensure the strongest protections for media artists in the 21st century and beyond.
UM The Grammys: The Grammys is a movement of 30,000 active songwriters, performers, producers, engineers and industry professionals who serve the music community by raising their voices on a global stage, protecting their rights, creating opportunities for advancement and providing direct assistance when it is needed most. And with the Grammy Award we honor the best that music gives us every year.
ABOUT THE HUMAN ARTISTRY CAMPAIGN: The Human Artistry Campaign is the global initiative to promote responsible AI. It is committed to developing in a way that strengthens the creative ecosystem while respecting and promoting the indispensable value of human art to culture. Across 34 countries, more than 180 organizations have come together to protect every form of human expression and creativity they represent – journalists, recording artists, photographers, actors, songwriters, composers, publishers, independent record labels, athletes and more. The growing coalition advocates seven core principles for keeping human creativity at the heart of technological innovation.
https://www.riaa.com/music-community-introduces-new-labeling-programto-distinguish-generative-ai-in-sound-recordings/
