The use of AI in creating recordings is one of the central issues facing the music industry at present, with issues related to copyright law, streaming fraud, revenue displacement (to name a few) still to be resolved. As a distribution service, MusicHub is directly affected by the evolving standards of digital service providers (DSPs), legal uncertainty, and quality control challenges. This article presents MusicHub’s standpoint and processes regarding this topic.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that this situation is constantly evolving, so this article should be seen as a living document that will be updated when needed.
We also understand that this situation can be confusing and frustrating for artists, and we accept that we will not be able to please everyone. We ask for your patience and understanding regarding the decisions we have taken and the processes we have implemented.
Why our AI policy is cautious
AI tools that can generate complete music recordings create unresolved questions around copyright, ownership, and platform compliance. Streaming platforms expect distributors to ensure releases meet strict formatting and content standards, but fully or predominantly AI-generated recordings raise additional scrutiny and complexity. AI-generated recordings raise additional scrutiny and complexity.
At the same time, the ease of AI music generation means these submissions can arrive at scale, creating unsustainable volume for distributors to evaluate and process while maintaining quality standards. Copyright law regarding authorship, licensing rights, and protectability also remains unclear about rights for AI-generated recordings, especially where human performance is minimal.
For these reasons, MusicHub has chosen a precautionary, sustainable approach. Our policy aligns with platform expectations, manages submission volume effectively, reduces legal risks, and ensures that human contributions to the music creation and recording process remain central. As industry standards evolve, we'll review and update accordingly.
MusicHub's AI Content Policy
MusicHub does not accept releases where AI-generated audio makes up a substantial or predominant part of the recording. In practice, this includes cases where most of the core musical elements (such as the main vocals, lead melodies, primary harmonies, or main instrumental backing) are generated by AI.
The use of AI for nongenerative technical processes — such as audio mastering, noise reduction, restoration, or pitch correction — is considered standard production practice and does not violate this policy.
What this means in practice:
What We Do Not Accept:
Fully or predominantly AI-generated songs: generated songs:
Recordings where most or all musical parts (vocals or instrumentals) are generated by AI tools, even if you combine them with non-AI elements (such as a vocal line or guitar solo).
AI-generated vocals: generated vocals:
Any recording where the main vocal performance is generated by AI, including AI-generated vocal samples used as the primary vocal line. AI-generated vocal samples used as the primary vocal line.
Recordings where the audible musical content is predominantly AI-generated: generated:
For example, if most of the backing tracks, key melodies, or main harmonic content are created by AI.
Note: Editing or processing AI-generated parts (such as AI-generated stems, samples, etc.) does not change the nature of these parts to something other than AI-generated.
What We do Accept:
Use of AI for production processes
We accept the use of AI as a supporting tool for various non-generative production processes such as mixing, mastering, editing, or sound enhancement.
Use of AI to generate specific instrument parts
We accept the use of AI to generate individual instrument elements (for example, a kick drum pattern, a pad layer, or a single texture), as long as AI-generated audio only functions in a supportive role to the human elements of the total recording. The main musical identity of the track (for example, lead melody, core harmony, or main groove) must not be predominantly AI-generated. AI-generated audio only functions in a supportive role to the human elements of the total recording. The main musical identity of the track (for example, lead melody, core harmony, or main groove) must not be predominantly AI-generated.
Detection and Review Process
To ensure compliance, MusicHub uses both automated and human review to identify potential AI-generated material. AI-generated material.
Each submission is analyzed using automated detection systems that estimate the likelihood that a recording has been AI‑generated.
Releases with a higher probability of AI‑generated content may be are being flagged for additional review by MusicHub’s content team.
The probability value serves as a risk indicator, not as definitive proof, and is used as part of an comprehensive overall assessment.
Our goal is to prevent releases where AI is doing the majority of the audible creative work, while still allowing limited, clearly supporting use of AI-generated parts. AI-generated parts.
Decision Outcomes
After review:
If a recording is found to violate MusicHub's AI policy, it will be rejected and not distributed.
If the recording complies, it proceeds through the usual distribution process.
Decisions are final unless the artist submits an eligible appeal as described below.
Exceptions and Appeal Process
We recognize that creative workflows vary and that false detections are possible. Artists who believe their release was incorrectly rejected may request a review under the following conditions:
Request window
The MusicHub user must contact MusicHub Support within seven (7) days of receiving the rejection notice in order to begin the appeal process. This appeals process has two parts: the AI Usage Disclosure Form and the submission of supporting evidence.
AI Usage Disclosure Form
To request reconsideration, you must complete the AI Usage Disclosure Form, which details whether and how AI tools were used in the recording. The form includes questions about your AI usage, vocals, core musical elements, human contributions, supporting instrumental parts, and postproduction processes.
Supporting Evidence
As proof that no AI was used to generate the vocal performance or primary melodic parts, we generally require video evidence showing that these elements were not created using AI but were sung or played. The video evidence must comply with these guidelines:
The video must have been recorded with a mobile phone.
It may only contain the original sound from the video.
The singer or instrumentalist must look into the camera so that their mouth and/or hands and instrument are visible.
No accompanying music may be played in the background.
The sound of the video must not have been edited or altered in any way.
For compositions created with MIDI, we may also ask you to supply the MIDI files for each track along with an exported WAV file for that track.
Additional evidence (optional)
In addition to video, you may also submit:
A video walkthrough of the DAW project, and/or
Unedited audio files (stems) from the project.
Written statements and screenshots may be considered as supplementary context but cannot replace audiovisual or project-level evidence.
Any submitted materials will be:
Stored securely
Not shared or reused outside the evaluation process
Deleted within 48 hours of the final decision
Evaluation
MusicHub will reassess the release using:
The AI Usage Disclosure Form
Any submitted video or project file evidence
The original detection data and reviewer notes
If the new information credibly shows that the release does not violate this policy, the decision may be reversed.
Exceptions
MusicHub is aware that AI tools can provide new opportunities for people who might otherwise be unable to participate in music creation, for example due to disability or other significant barriers. In this context, we are open to receiving submissions that request an exception based on such circumstances.
These cases will be considered individually and reviewed in an open-minded and compassionate manner. However, we cannot guarantee an exception, and our primary goal remains to uphold the core principles of this policy in an open-minded and compassionate manner. However, we cannot guarantee an exception, and our primary goal remains to uphold the core principles of this policy.