Spotify Expands AI Remix and Covers Project With Merlin Partnership

Spotify reiterated plans for a new AI-powered feature during its second-quarter earnings call, enabling fans to create covers and remixes of music with explicit artist permission.
Independent licensing partner Merlin has joined Universal Music Group (UMG) in this initiative, expanding access to over 30,000 labels within Merlin’s network for a platform focused on artist-approved fan creations.
Distinguishing itself from controversial AI music tools that generate synthetic tracks, Spotify co-CEO Gustav Söderström emphasized to investors that the product centers on “real artists, not fake artists.”
Co-CEO Alex Norström explained that the platform ensures artists consent to having their work included, allowing fans to experiment with covers and remixes while providing proper credit and fair compensation, marking a legal pathway for interactive music engagement.
AI-generated content has surged on streaming platforms, with Deezer reporting that over 50% of daily track uploads were AI-generated in recent months, a significant increase from 10% in January 2025.
Spotify announced that a research preview of the fan remix and covers feature will initially roll out to a select group of users, noting that a complete music catalog is not required for launch, though no specific release date was provided.
The feature will be offered as a premium add-on, generating an additional revenue stream for participating artists.
Söderström described the remix and covers tool as a unique offering, stating that while general generative music will emerge regardless of Spotify’s involvement, this specific product requires their platform to enable existing artists to participate in the AI-driven music landscape.
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Spotify reiterated plans for a new AI-powered feature during its second-quarter earnings call, enabling fans to create covers and remixes of music with explicit artist permission.
Independent licensing partner Merlin has joined Universal Music Group (UMG) in this initiative, expanding access to over 30,000 labels within Merlin’s network for a platform focused on artist-approved fan creations.
Distinguishing itself from controversial AI music tools that generate synthetic tracks, Spotify co-CEO Gustav Söderström emphasized to investors that the product centers on “real artists, not fake artists.”
Co-CEO Alex Norström explained that the platform ensures artists consent to having their work included, allowing fans to experiment with covers and remixes while providing proper credit and fair compensation, marking a legal pathway for interactive music engagement.
AI-generated content has surged on streaming platforms, with Deezer reporting that over 50% of daily track uploads were AI-generated in recent months, a significant increase from 10% in January 2025.
Spotify announced that a research preview of the fan remix and covers feature will initially roll out to a select group of users, noting that a complete music catalog is not required for launch, though no specific release date was provided.
The feature will be offered as a premium add-on, generating an additional revenue stream for participating artists.
Söderström described the remix and covers tool as a unique offering, stating that while general generative music will emerge regardless of Spotify’s involvement, this specific product requires their platform to enable existing artists to participate in the AI-driven music landscape.
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