AI-Generated Music vs. Rising Subscription Prices

[GHvdP]

I'm writing as a longtime subscriber to raise a concern that's been bothering me for a while, and to ask for some transparency.

Over the past year, I've noticed a growing amount of AI-generated music appearing on the platform, often placed on popular playlists alongside music made by real, human artists. At the same time, Spotify has raised subscription prices multiple times, citing the cost of licensing and paying artists fairly.

These two trends feel contradictory to me. If AI-generated tracks are being pushed into playlists and streams at scale, it raises the question of whether some of that streaming volume (volume that used to go toward paying human musicians) is now going toward music that costs Spotify little to nothing to license. Meanwhile, my monthly bill keeps going up.

I'd appreciate real answers to the following:

1. What percentage of streams on Spotify's editorial and algorithmic playlists currently go to AI-generated or AI-assisted tracks (and what part plays Spotify AB in this)?
2. How are royalties for AI-generated music calculated and distributed, and who receives them?
3. Given the price increases, can Spotify commit to clear labeling of AI-generated content so listeners can choose whether to stream it?

I value having a platform that supports real artists. If Spotify wants to keep raising prices, it should also be willing to show subscribers exactly where that money is going, and give us the tools to support human musicians directly.

I look forward to a substantive response, not a form letter.

[AngieVictor]

"Clear labeling of AI-generated content so listeners can choose whether to stream it" - I second every word, but with a huge emphasis on this one.

I'd also urge the readers of this post to go check the one called "Album uploads to disbanded artists' pages and plagiarism of album covers" and see the huge list of AI generated stuff being released under known artists with a solid name but hasn't been active for some years.

Having the option to choose not streaming AI slop by default would at least avoid me from musical heartbreaks.