Spotify has removed more than 75 million “spammy” tracks from its platform over the past year as the streaming service takes action against low-quality AI-generated music, fake uploads, and attempts to manipulate its royalty system.
The removed tracks were linked to practices including mass-produced AI songs, duplicate uploads with altered metadata, extremely short tracks designed to collect royalties, and unauthorized AI voice clones.
Spotify said the move is aimed at preventing abuse of artificial intelligence tools while continuing to support artists who use AI responsibly as part of their creative process.
“In the past 12 months alone, a period marked by the explosion of generative AI tools, we’ve removed over 75 million spammy tracks from Spotify,” the company said.
The scale of the removal highlights how quickly AI music creation has grown. Platforms such as Suno and Udio have made it possible for users to generate complete songs with AI-created vocals, instruments, and production, allowing anyone to experiment with music creation. However, the rise of these tools has also raised concerns about mass-produced content flooding streaming services.
Spotify Introduces New AI Rules
Spotify has introduced a three-part plan to address AI-related misuse on its platform.
The company is strengthening its rules around AI voice cloning, banning unauthorized digital copies of artists’ voices unless permission has been given. It is also improving systems that detect fake uploads placed on legitimate artists’ profiles.
A new music spam filter is being introduced to identify suspicious tracks and uploaders. Spotify said these songs may be prevented from appearing in recommendations and search results.
The company is also supporting new industry standards that will allow AI involvement to be disclosed in music credits, including the use of AI-generated vocals, instruments, or production elements.
Spotify said it is working with distributors such as DistroKid and CD Baby to implement these changes. Major music companies, including Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, have welcomed the measures.
Debate Over AI Music Growth
The growth of AI music tools has divided the industry. Supporters argue that platforms like Suno and Udio give independent creators new ways to produce music, experiment with ideas, and overcome technical barriers.
Critics, however, warn that the same technology can be used to create large amounts of low-effort music that competes with human artists for attention and revenue.
Other streaming platforms have faced similar issues. Deezer previously reported a significant rise in fully AI-generated uploads, with some linked to fraudulent streaming activity.
Concerns over AI-generated music became more widespread after the 2023 release of “Heart on My Sleeve,” an unauthorized AI-generated track featuring voices resembling Drake and The Weeknd.
Spotify said it is not against AI technology itself and will continue allowing legitimate AI-assisted music when creators have the necessary rights and provide proper disclosures.
Streaming Platforms Prepare for AI Future
Spotify said it will continue updating its systems as AI technology develops.
The company’s latest crackdown shows the challenge facing streaming platforms: allowing new creative tools while protecting artists and listeners from manipulation.
For creators using AI music platforms such as Suno and Udio, Spotify’s message is that originality, transparency, and respect for copyright rules will become increasingly important as the industry adapts to artificial intelligence.
