Tiktok Will Detect AI Thanks to New Tools and Technology: What It Means for Musicians
- Michele
- 20 September 2023, Wednesday
TikTok announced it will begin labeling and detecting AI-generated content. The new tools are an addition to the already existing policies on content that was created with the help of AI if it contains realistic images, audio, or videos that exist to prevent the potential spread of misinformation.
TikTok introduces new AI tools
In a recent press release, TikTok announced it will begin labeling and detecting AI-generated content. The platform decided to introduce new tools and technologies to protect and empower content creators who do not use artificial intelligence. "As more creators take advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their creativity, we want to support transparent and responsible content creation practices. As part of that effort, we continue to invest in media literacy to empower creativity while giving people important context about content they're viewing."
Over recent months, more and more digital companies have started paying closer attention to AI and its implications. While they can be incredibly helpful, they also come with different dangers. In the press release, TikTok explains that "AI enables incredible creative opportunities, but can potentially confuse or mislead viewers if they are not aware content was generated or edited with."
The new tools are an addition to the already existing policies on labeling AI-generated content if it contains realistic images, audio, or videos that exist to prevent the potential spread of misinformation. So far, it is not an official law to label AI-generated content as such. However, many governments and institutions (including the EU and the UK government) are actively discussing introducing laws to combat misinformation online.
What does this mean for musicians?
We previously covered the topic of AI in music, outlining its positive implications for independent artists, such as the option to create AI-generated artwork to have more time and money for music, create marketing and PR plans, analyze data, help with creativity blocks, and even mix and master music.
At the same time, AI does not have the best reputation in the industry and rightfully receives criticism as it takes away jobs from designers, mixing and mastering engineers, and other individuals involved. Additionally, music producers and fans dislike AI-generated music, beats, or samples as they perceive them as cheating, lacking knowledge and experience, or not putting in enough effort.
For musicians, the new tools introduced by TikTok can come in handy as they will allow for much more transparency. While you do not legally have to do so, your fans and mutuals will appreciate the honesty, especially about the quality and complexity of your track. What you should not do, however, is deny the usage of AI, as this can easily damage your reputation.
With the future of AI still being difficult to assess, artists should remain aware that laws, regulations, and technologies can change at any time. Just because your song cannot be detected as "created with the help of AI” now, it does not mean this will not be possible in the future. Similarly, we do not know how AI or transparency about AI will impact streaming royalties in the long term. For this reason, it makes sense to be transparent about your work.
