YouTube Music is rolling out new labels to help listeners identify songs created primarily using generative artificial intelligence (AI), with the labels also set to expand to the main YouTube app.

The move aims to improve transparency as AI-generated music becomes increasingly common, a YouTube blogpost said yesterday.

The feature will display an AI label directly on the music player page when AI has played a significant role in creating a track, including its composition and vocals.

Listeners can tap the label to access additional information about the song.

YouTube said the initiative responds to listener demand for greater clarity about whether the music they hear has been generated using AI tools.

To identify such tracks, the platform is working with music industry partners and using its own detection tools.

The system follows the same broad labelling principles that YouTube already applies to other AI-generated content.

The rollout marks a further step in YouTube’s efforts to make AI use more transparent across its platforms, as generative technology opens up new possibilities for music creation while raising questions about disclosure and authenticity.

YouTube has also directed music partners and creators to its Help Centre for details on AI disclosure guidelines and standards.