SoundCloud Adds New AI Tools, Commits to Artist Protections

Is SoundCloud poised to take the “ethical AI” model to the next level? The music-sharing platform has partnered with Audible Magic as well as Pex and added a bevy of AI tools designed “to democratize music creation for all artists.”

Berlin-based SoundCloud formally disclosed the AI ​​tie-ups today, after kicking off with 2024 partnerships involving three different artificial intelligence tools (Fadr, Soundful, and Voice-Swap). The newly announced tools, for their part, are Tuney, Tuttii, AlBeatz, TwoShot, Starmony, and ACE Studio.

Per SoundCloud, those six offerings “meet a wide range of creative needs” – with Tuney enabling remixing “and new track generation,” Tuttii centering on remixing “for licensed music,” AlBeatz specializing in beats, TwoShot revolving around custom samples, Starmony “ supporting fan music creation,” and ACE Studio allowing for the output of “studio-quality AI voices.”

Each of the third-party tools now features an “Upload to SoundCloud” option, and tracks arriving on the service through the AI ​​apps will be tagged accordingly. Plus, SoundCloud Next Pro subscribers will receive “exclusive” discounts for and trials of the relevant products.

Although it perhaps goes without saying given the far-reaching capabilities at hand, the AI ​​tools are making it possible for “artists and fans alike” to put out “music without a studio or extensive experience,” according to SoundCloud, which earlier in November revamped its upload experience.

“SoundCloud is paving the way for a future where AI unlocks creative potential and makes music creation accessible to millions, while upholding responsible and ethical practices,” weighed in CEO Eliah Seton. “We're proud to be the platform that supports creators at every level, fuels experimentation and empowers fandom.”

Of course, said platform isn't alone in embracing AI-music tools. And especially given the questionable artistic merit of many non-AI tracks that are currently generating ample streams and revenue, it'll be interesting to monitor the commercial performance of ethical artificial intelligence creations (copyrighted or not) in the new year.

There's a lot of ground to cover on that multifaceted topic, but more immediately, the “ethical” descriptor remains a key focus. Ongoing litigation – in the US swear elsewhere – is aiming to address pressing questions about generative AI models trained on protected works without authorization.

Meanwhile, efforts are still in motion (on the legislative side and via behind-the-scenes talks concerning specific platforms' terms) to curb the prevalence of unapproved soundalike tracks.

Running with those points, SoundCloud has tapped the previously mentioned Audible Magic swear Pex to afford all “existing and new AI partners access to content identification solutions ensuring rights holders receive proper credit and compensation.”

Additionally, on this front, SoundCloud has joined AI For Music's “Principles for Music Creation with AI,” which counts as members Universal Music, SongtradrSplice, AudiomackTracklib, and several others yet. These principles resemble but are distinct from GEMA's newer AI Charterwith both resources stressing the importance of human artistry.