Believe and Spotify have signed a licensing agreement for the DSP’s upcoming remix tool.
The deal will enable Believe’s and TuneCore’s participating artists and labels to benefit from new creative and revenue opportunities, while enabling fans to create remixes of their songs.
It follows Spotify’s agreements with Universal Music Group, Kobalt and Merlin for the digital licensing agency’s independent members.
The tool is designed specifically for AI-powered remixes and covers, not entirely new works, to allow fans to reinterpret songs while the artists are paid.
Streams of these remixes will generate royalties for the participating artists and rights-holders behind the original works. The tool is designed to be made available as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers, creating an additional revenue stream on top of what participating artists and songwriters already earn on Spotify.
“Fan-made remixes are already widespread, often without compensating the artists and songwriters,” said a statement. “Spotify’s tool brings that activity into a licensed environment. And unlike remixes on social media, every remix on Spotify links back to the original track and artist, driving listeners to discover or revisit the music that inspired it.”
In line with Believe’s responsible AI principles established in 2023 of consent, control, compensation and transparency, participation in the tool will be entirely voluntary.
To ensure artists retain control over how their music is used, Believe and TuneCore will apply a two-step consent process: artists first choose whether to opt in to being considered for AI-related programs. The Spotify partnership will be presented to those who opted in, giving them the opportunity to decide whether or not to participate.
Done right, fan creativity can deepen the connection between fans and the artists they love, creating new value for artists and driving attention back to the original music
Charlie Hellman
In an update, Spotify said it continues to strengthen its protections against spam, impersonation and deception, keeping AI-generated spam and slop out of recommendations, helping listeners know when a real artist is behind the music, and giving artists more control over what appears on their profiles.
Spotify said that this year alone it has taken more than 50 million slop and spam tracks out of recommendations. This is in addition to more than 75m spammy tracks removed from the platform altogether for serious or repeated violations of our rules.
Listeners can also see when artists have disclosed AI use in a track.
In parallel, Believe is building on its existing GenAI Music Content Framework and distribution safeguards to further strengthen its approach to responsible AI-generated music.
“A year ago, we shared a vision with Spotify: AI must create new opportunities for artists while protecting their rights and the value of their music,” said Denis Ladegaillerie, founder and CEO of Believe. “Today, this partnership puts that vision into action. Together, we are turning an already widespread fan remixing activity into a licensed experience that will enhance fan remix creation within Spotify’s controlled platform and generate revenues for artists. This is how our four principles – consent, control, compensation and transparency – translate into tangible benefits for artists.
“Equally importantly, we share a commitment to protecting artists, reflected in Spotify's strengthened safeguards against AI-generated spam and low-value content, and Believe's ongoing work to further reinforce its GenAI music content framework. These efforts illustrate how we are working together to eradicate AI slop and make AI a value creator for music fans, artists and right-holders.”.
Charlie Hellman, SVP and global head of music at Spotify, said: “Done right, fan creativity can deepen the connection between fans and the artists they love, creating new value for artists and driving attention back to the original music. Getting there takes partners across the industry, and Believe and independent artists have helped move the industry forward at every major turning point. I’m encouraged that their participation now strengthens the momentum toward artist consent, compensation and credit.”
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