RIAA, Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and Other Groups Launch New Labeling Program for AI Music

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Variety

Jul 10, 2026 7:09am PT By Corbin Bolies

A collection of groups representing musicians and the music industry at large — including the RIAA, IFPI, the Grammys and SAG-AFTRA — have banded together for a new labeling program that aims to provide a unified front on indicating whether a song has been produced with AI.

The groups on Friday introduced two suggested labels, akin to labels noting a song’s explicit nature, to help indicate whether a recording has been “AI-Generated” or “AI-Assisted.” The organizations hope the labels will provide clarity for fans who are scouring streaming services for new songs during an era where streaming services have acknowledged the proliferation of AI-produced music across their libraries.

“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen,” International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) CEO Vikki Oakley and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier said in a statement. “Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves.”

The two AI labels, which are set at the track level, will help distinguish whether a track is “AI-Generated,” including whether the lead vocal and key instruments were generated or if the song was entirely produced by a prompt; or “AI-Assisted,” which will mark whether AI helped with “some expressive elements” as humans created the tune. The labels do not currently apply to AI’s use for lyrics, compositions, music videos or a song’s cover art.


Courtesy of RIAA

Read more: https://variety.com/2026/music/news/ifpi-riaa-grammys-sag-aftra-labeling-program-ai-music-1236806377/

[msongs]

1. younger generations may not care if their music is AI - dominant music today is

loops, quantizing, and auto tune so real means little

[turbinetree]

2. Oh yippie.................and who makes the moola off this.........

How does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ................and other venues place this "stuff" in the halls..........

[reACTIONary]

3. Here are the two labels....

Full AI on the right, AI assist on the left.

"You went full AI. Never go full AI"

[mdbl]

4. Youtube needs to do the same for all videos

Put a YUGE label at the top of the video for the first 30 secs stating "THIS VIDEO IS AI" I don't care if it's partially or fully AI, it's still just AI.