Spotify расширяет ИИ-ремиксер для фанатов: Merlin добавил 30 000 независимых лейблов

Spotify on August 4, 2026 announced the expansion of its AI remix and cover creation project: Merlin — an association representing more than 30,000 independent labels and distributors — joined Universal Music Group in supporting the new paid tool.

How the AI Remix Tool Works

The paid service will allow fans to create AI-generated remixes and covers of music by artists who have explicitly agreed to participate. Each performer joins on an opt-in basis — there is no forced inclusion. According to Spotify, every time a track is used, the creator receives attribution and monetary compensation.

• Coverage through Merlin — more than 30,000 independent labels and distributors
• Universal Music Group — already a confirmed project partner
• Access to the tool will be paid
• Participation only on an opt-in basis: without the artist's consent, their music is unavailable for AI
• Authorship is preserved, compensation is provided at each use

Why Did Merlin Join the Deal?

Merlin has historically served as a negotiating platform for the independent sector — the organization secures conditions for smaller labels comparable to those of major labels. Merlin's inclusion means that thousands of independent artists — from indie rock to the electronic scene — will receive the same guarantees of consent, attribution, and compensation as Universal Music Group labels. This is an unusual situation for the industry: in most tech deals, majors signed agreements first, and independents joined later, often on less favorable terms.

The scale of reach through Merlin — more than 30,000 labels and distributors — means that even before the official launch, Spotify is forming a legitimate pool of AI content covering a significant portion of the global independent catalog.

"The tool will allow fans to creatively engage with the music of their favorite artists, ensuring that rights holders receive proper recognition and compensation,"

Spotify said in a statement.

What This Means

Spotify is building a two-sided AI music monetization model that encompasses both majors and independents on comparable terms simultaneously. If the opt-in scheme with guaranteed attribution and compensation becomes the industry standard, AI remixes will turn not into a threat to rights holders, but into a new revenue stream — for artists and the platform alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can artists opt out?

The scheme works only on an opt-in basis: a track enters the AI tool exclusively after the artist's explicit consent. Without permission, music is unavailable for remixes and covers.

How many labels does the Merlin partnership cover?

Merlin represents more than 30,000 independent labels and distributors worldwide — one of the largest associations in the independent music market.