Spotify Leaders Say AI Remix Tool Has Broad Industry Backing
Spotify’s co-CEOs discussed the company’s planned AI remixing tool, which would let fans make covers and remixes of songs by participating artists. The feature is designed around consent, credit, and compensation, and Spotify says support extends beyond its announced licensing partners. The launch will take time because artists must agree to participate.
Believe, headquartered in Paris, became the fourth named company to license its catalog for Spotify’s planned remix feature, alongside Universal Music Group, Merlin and Kobalt. The feature would be offered as an optional paid service, though executives withheld pricing. Under its framework, participating artists and songwriters must agree to inclusion, get attribution and receive a share of royalties from the tool.
Spotify also reported 316 million premium subscribers after adding 6 million in the third quarter, and said it has paid $70 billion to rights holders since launching. Separately, it has removed more than 50 million AI-generated spam tracks from recommendations, plus 75 million taken down since tightening AI policies in September 2025, using upload patterns, metadata, detection tools and listener feedback.
The feature could affect artists, songwriters, fans and rights holders by turning AI-assisted covers and remixes into a licensed, paid activity rather than an unapproved use. If consent and payment work as intended, creators may gain another revenue stream and listeners may get more interactive ways to engage with music. Yet an optional paid service could widen access gaps, while opt-in requirements may slow adoption or leave catalog gaps. Industry expectations around attribution and AI use may also shift.