Spotify launches “Verified by Spotify” green checkmark badge to differentiate human and AI music

Over the coming weeks, the Swedish conglomerate’s “Verified by Spotify” badge – a green checkmark – will appear on artist profiles and in search results. It supposedly guarantees that a profile has been reviewed and meets the platform’s standards for authenticity.

“In the AI era, it’s more important than ever to be able to trust the authenticity of the music you listen to,” Spotify said in a blog post announcement.

In order to receive verification, artists have to demonstrate sustained listener engagement, comply with Spotify’s platform rules, and evidence a genuine presence both on and off the platform – for example, concert dates, merchandise, and social media accounts. Spotify says more than 99% of artists that listeners actively search for will be verified at launch.

The initiative arrives as AI-generated tracks increasingly flood streaming catalogues. Deezer disclosed last week that AI-generated tracks now make up 44% of all new music uploaded to its service each day. Sony Music said recently it had sought the takedown of more than 135,000 AI-produced songs that mimicked its signed artists. Earlier this year, Bandcamp announced a total ban on AI music.