Spotify wants users to create AI remixes on its platform

The debate around artificial intelligence in music has just reached another level thanks to Spotify. This month, during its Q4 2025 earnings presentation, the streaming platform floated an idea that is likely to spark ongoing discussion: allowing fans to remix songs using AI. The argument? That it could translate into increased and improved earnings for artists.

Yes, you read that correctly. Remixing your favourite track without touching a single production button — beyond your keyboard — could become an official feature within the platform.

AI as a business model

Spotify’s proposal is fairly straightforward: it wants to use artificial intelligence in two clear ways. On the one hand, music created entirely from scratch using AI tools. On the other, new versions and remixes of existing songs generated with AI. Gustav Söderström, Spotify’s Co-President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, explained that it is this second route that they see as a significant business opportunity.

This would go a step further than the AI DJ already integrated into the platform, which essentially curates tracks based on your taste but does not actually transform them.

For Söderström, allowing derivatives of already released tracks could become a new revenue stream for artists through their existing catalogue. The idea is based on the assumption that listeners want to interact more deeply with the music they consume, and that some artists may be open to enabling this if it allows them to monetise their work in new ways.

He also acknowledged that the lack of a clear rights framework has slowed these developments so far. For that reason, Spotify says it intends to work with the industry to establish rules defining how songs can be used, how revenue would be shared, and how intellectual property would be protected in this new AI-driven landscape.

Warner is also backing AI

The proposal does not exist in isolation. Warner Music Group has also signalled interest in this direction. Its CEO, Robert Kyncl, stated at a conference that future “superfan” tiers could include AI-powered creative features — though as part of a more premium subscription. In other words, AI-assisted creativity could become an additional paid feature within the streaming ecosystem.

This aligns with Warner Music Group’s recent move: after suing AI platforms such as Suno and Udio, it ultimately reached an agreement with Suno allowing AI-generated songs to be created using the voices and works of artists who opt in, under a licensed and compensated model.

The opposing view

Not everyone, however, is celebrating the idea. Universal Music Group has taken a considerably cooler stance. Its Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, made it clear that such proposals could end up legitimising models that fail to respect the work and creativity of artists.

For Grainge, opening the door to AI-generated remixes and derivatives without strict oversight risks encouraging a system where what matters is not the original work, but the volume of versions built around it — potentially undermining artistic value and proper recognition for creators.

It inevitably brings to mind what happened with Bad Bunny, when a song using an AI-generated version of his voice went viral without his consent. A reminder that this debate is not theoretical — it is already playing out in real time.

So while some see a new revenue opportunity and a way to further monetise catalogues through technology, others warn that the balance between innovation and creative respect is more fragile than it appears. For now, the “create AI remix” button does not yet exist — but it may be closer than we think.