aceGenerative AI use in music creation and distribution within streaming platforms
Source article: Artificial intelligence in the music streaming value chain: Exploring artists' and users’ perceptions on content creation and algorithmic consumption
Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role throughout every stage of the music industry value chain. In fact, AI has been integral to the value proposition of music streaming platforms since their inception. This research article investigates how AI—and in particular, Generative AI (GenAI)—affects the creation and consumption stages, the two most socially significant components of the music streaming value chain. It explores users’ perceptions of the impact of AI/GenAI on their music-listening experience…
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Published December 5, 2025, this peer-reviewed study investigated how AI and Generative AI affect music streaming. Using two focus groups with users and with artists/performers, it explored perceptions of AI-generated music for listening and for artists' position and opportunities within the streaming model.
The findings matter because streaming platforms shape cultural production and livelihoods. While users were nuanced about AI music, artists saw risks that AI could entrench platform dysfunctions and weaken transparency, creating a tension between broader access to creation tools and sustainability of professional music careers that policy has not resolved.
- Study examined two separate focus groups with users and artists/performers from different geographies and professional development.
- AI has been integral to the value proposition of music streaming platforms since their inception.
- Users showed a nuanced response to AI-generated music in their listening experience.
Generative AI can lower barriers to entry for music creation, expanding who can participate in making music.
Generative AI may amplify existing dysfunctions of streaming platforms, threaten livelihoods of music professionals, and raise governance and transparency concerns.
The rundown
The research focused on the creation and consumption stages, described as the two most socially significant components of the music streaming value chain, to complement industry debates often dominated by technology companies and record and publishing firms.
Both groups identified a paradox where democratization of creation coexists with risks to professional opportunities, with implications for the role of culture in societies, policy and practice.
Findings are based on qualitative perceptions from two focus groups, limiting generalizability beyond the sampled users and artists/performers.
Sources
- Peer-reviewedTelecommunications Policy2025-12-05
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