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Spotify Wrapped 2024, the annual music recap, is here with new AI features, including a personalized podcast about users’ music tastes. It shows users’ top songs, artists, and genres from the year, offering insights into their listening habits and creating a personalized experience using AI.

Spotify’s Co-President and CTO, Gustav Söderström, discussed the company’s plans for AI-generated music in an interview with Alex Kantrowitz. Söderström highlighted the potential for AI to enhance music recommendations, improve discoverability, and even create new music. This development raises questions about the future of music creation and the role of AI in shaping artistic expression. The interview also touched on Spotify’s use of AI for podcasting and other services.

YouTube is currently testing a new feature that allows creators to utilize AI to “restyle” licensed songs for their Shorts. This feature empowers creators to generate unique, 30-second soundtracks using AI prompts, based on licensed music. The functionality is still in its experimental phase, with a limited number of creators currently participating. This initiative reflects the ongoing integration of AI into content creation, offering creators new avenues for creative expression and engaging with audiences. The test could potentially introduce a new dimension to music licensing and copyright considerations within the digital realm, potentially impacting the broader music industry.

Universal Music Group (UMG) has entered into a partnership with Klay Vision, an AI company focused on ethical music generation, to develop a “Large Music Model” named KLayMM. The model aims to leverage AI for music creation while respecting copyright and artist rights, promoting collaboration between human artists and AI technology. The partnership emphasizes ethical AI development, ensuring copyright and artist rights are protected, and creating opportunities for new creative avenues. The collaboration seeks to address concerns about copyright infringement and artist exploitation often associated with AI-generated music. It highlights a growing trend of music companies embracing AI technology, with UMG also involved in various lawsuits and licensing arrangements related to AI music.