Title: YouTube Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Music, Critics Decry Loss of Human Touch
YouTube has recently unveiled a new AI tool called Dream Track, which allows creators to generate music tracks sung by popular artists such as Demi Lovato and John Legend. However, this move has sparked controversy among critics who argue that AI-generated music is robbing music of its human spark.
As of Thursday, US creators gained access to Dream Track in the short-form section of the platform known as YouTube Shorts. Through this tool, creators can type prompts that generate original, 30-second audio clips featuring the AI-generated voices of various artists. Notably, nine artists have already lent their voices to Dream Tracks, including Demi Lovato, John Legend, Charlie Puth, Alec Benjamin, Sia, and more.
In a demo video featuring Charlie Puth’s voice, a user typed the prompt A ballad about how opposites attract, upbeat acoustic. Charlie’s voice then sang, Baby, we’ve got nothing in common, but I know that I’m what you’ve been wanting for so long now. However, viewers were far from impressed with this development.
Critics took to the comment section to express their concerns. Some claimed that YouTube is replacing creators and devaluing beautiful music, while others sarcastically remarked that musicians would soon be put out of business. The disabling of dislikes on the YouTube account’s demo videos added to the discontent among viewers.
Dream Track was developed in collaboration with Google’s DeepMind, which introduced Lyria, their most advanced AI music generation model. While some artists willingly contribute their voices to AI technology, others are filing lawsuits to protect their work from being stolen by bots.
YouTube attempted to address potential concerns in its announcement, stating that they prioritize partnership and responsibility in their AI approach. They emphasized the use of Content ID, a rights management technology that ensures copyright owners are fairly compensated for their work. Furthermore, YouTube sought insights from Universal Music Group’s talent roster for generative AI experiments and research.
As the debate regarding AI-generated music continues, it becomes essential to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the human touch and creativity that makes music special. Only time will tell how this latest development will shape the future of the music industry.
