Spotify announces AI-generated remixes and podcasts
The Swedish streaming service is integrating more generative AI into its products. Universal Music is enabling access to its catalog for this purpose.
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The streaming service Spotify and the music group Universal Music Group have concluded a licensing agreement for a new generative artificial intelligence tool. This will allow users to create their own cover versions and remixes of songs by participating musicians in the future. Artists and songwriters are to be involved in the revenue. The tool will launch as a paid add-on in addition to the premium subscription.
Spotify Co-CEO Alex Norström emphasized in the announcement that the innovation is based on the explicit consent of those involved, their attribution, and financial compensation. Through technological change, they aim to further develop the entire ecosystem into a richer experience for listeners. Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music, stated that the initiative is firmly focused on the artists and is rooted in responsible AI. The cooperation serves to drive the economic growth of the entire music ecosystem.
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AI functions also for podcasts
At its Investor Day 2026, the tech group also announced further AI functions for the podcast sector. Listeners will be able to ask questions about a running episode in certain markets immediately, to which the system will explain concepts or provide recommendations. Furthermore, it will be possible in the future to generate one's own, so-called personal podcasts for private use with a new desktop app called “Studio by Spotify Labs” through simple text input, documents, or links.
The use of generative AI models has been causing profound changes in the audio sector for some time. Universal Music had already reached an agreement with the AI music generator service Udio in the fall of 2025 regarding a copyright dispute and concluded licensing agreements for AI training. In parallel, entirely AI-generated bands on Spotify are leading to discussions about the long-term impact of the technology on publishers and creators.
(afl)
