YouTube Introduces New AI Music Generation Tool
YouTube is in the process of developing a new feature that enables creators to instantly produce user-friendly (and copyright-free) support tools using artificial intelligence technology.
The recent update to YouTube’s Creative Music Marketplace allows video creators to generate AI-created music using text prompts.
This free tool, dubbed “Music Assistant,” is gradually being rolled out to creators participating in the YouTube Affiliate Program in the USA, who also have access to the Creative Music resource for licensing commercial music on the platform, launched in 2023.
Creators who gain access to this tool will find the “Music Assistant” feature within the Creator Music tab, as announced in this week’s Creator InSider from YouTube (please see 1:00 minutes lower).
Creating and Using Music from AI
Users can describe the type of music they wish to create in a free text field, specifying details such as tools, mood, and video context. YouTube also offers recommended tips to help users get started.
Once the tracks are generated, users can easily download them and incorporate the music into their videos without copyright issues, as YouTube confirms that this music is free to use.
This new feature builds upon a prior YouTube test called “Dream Track,” which was a similar generative AI tool developed with DeepMind Lyria.
According to YouTube documentation, while Dream Track initially allowed for the creation of 30-second musical clips mimicking famous artists, the current version is exclusively focused on instrumental music.
This development occurs as production music companies, like Epidemic Sound, experience substantial growth within the creator economy.
Epidemic, a Swedish music company that specializes in providing music for content creators, recently released its annual report for 2024, showcasing significant financial growth.
The company reported a 29% increase in revenue compared to last year, reaching 1.921 billion Swedish crowns (181.62 million US dollars).
Its adjusted EBITDA surged by 150% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 147 million SEK (13.9 million US dollars), while the EBITDA also showed a 24-fold increase to 107 million SEK ($10.13 million).
Epidemic has reported that videos featuring its music now receive 3 billion views on YouTube and TikTok every day, up from 2.5 billion views on these platforms a year ago.
Legislative Actions on AI and Copyright
Meanwhile, a bipartisan bill aimed at regulating unauthorized deep fakes has been reintroduced to the U.S. Congress with the backing of the music industry and larger tech companies, including Google (the parent company of YouTube).
The Originals Protection Act was first presented in the Senate in July 2024 but failed to advance before the conclusion of last year’s congressional session.
This bill aims to establish advertising rights at the federal level in the U.S., granting individuals control over the use of their likeness and voice—an issue of increasing importance as generative AI continues to grow.
Warner Music Group’s Robert Kyncl, who previously testified before the Senate about the need to address deep fakes, was among industry figures present for the bill’s reintroduction.
In a blog post on Wednesday (April 9), YouTube stated that it is collaborating with the RIAA and the Motion Picture Association “to forge a broad consensus on this legislation.”
Leslie Miller, YouTube’s Vice President of State Policy, remarked, “For almost two decades, YouTube has been at the forefront of rights management, and we recognize the importance of working with partners to address these challenges.”
YouTube’s dual strategy—launching AI music creation tools while also advocating for legislation to safeguard against unauthorized reproduction of voices and likenesses—highlights the complex balance companies must maintain in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
YouTube launches new AI music tool… that makes instant copyright-free video soundtracks
