YouTube Music begins labeling AI-generated songs

If you listen to music on YouTube Music, you may now see a special label on some songs. It indicates that generative AI has played a significant role in the song. Generative AI is technology that can create new content on its own, such as music, from a short description.

YouTube began rolling out the labels on October 14, 2026. They cover cases where a generative model has created both the song's composition and vocals, among other things.

The label appears on the playback page in YouTube Music. Tap it, and a menu opens with more information about the track. According to YouTube, the move responds to listeners saying they want transparency when they hear an AI-generated track.

How YouTube identifies AI songs

YouTube identifies AI songs using music partners and its own detection tools. According to Music Business Worldwide, the in-house tools are meant to supplement the partners' declarations.

Partners can declare content via DDEX or CSV templates, which are standard formats for submitting information about music. They can choose between three categories:

- Fully Gen AI: tracks taken from AI music generators based on text prompts. - Partly Gen AI: AI is used for individual elements such as bass or strings, combined with live vocals or instruments. - No Gen AI: covers pitch correction such as Auto-Tune and automated mastering, among other things.

YouTube applies the same labeling principles as on the rest of YouTube. The labels are also expected to come to the regular YouTube app later. The exact timeline has not been disclosed.

Unanswered questions and other services

According to Music Business Worldwide, the announcement does not specify whether tracks in the Partly Gen AI category will get a visible label. It is also unclear how the labeling affects recommendations or royalties, meaning the payments artists receive.

YouTube is not alone in responding. Apple Music has "Made With AI" labels, Spotify shows AI disclosures in its credits, Tidal blocks royalties for fully AI-generated music, and Deezer has a user filter. In July, the industry organizations RIAA and IFPI proposed voluntary standards with the labels "AI-generated" and "AI-assisted."