YouTube Introduces AI-Generated Music with Dream Track Feature

YouTube is venturing into AI-generated music, unveiling a new Dream Track feature. The platform is testing generative AI features that enable users to create music tracks through simple text prompts or hummed tunes. The Dream Track feature, already in the hands of select US creators, automatically generates 30-second music tracks in the style of nine renowned artists, including Alec Benjamin, Charlie Puth, Sia, and T-Pain.

Dream Track, designed to mimic the styles of collaborating artists, has been introduced as part of YouTube's exploration into AI-generated music while navigating copyright rules. YouTube aims to maintain a balance with major music labels, emphasizing responsible AI use. The initial batch of collaborating artists includes Charlie Puth, John Legend, Sia, and others, reflecting YouTube's commitment to deeper connections between artists and creators.

The Dream Track feature is currently undergoing testing with a small group of select US creators. Users can create music by providing text prompts such as "A ballad about how opposites attract, upbeat acoustic" to generate a track in the style of Charlie Puth or "A sunny morning in Florida, R&B" for a T-Pain-inspired song. The software produces lyrics, a backing track, and an AI-generated voice resembling the chosen artist, focusing on integration with YouTube's Shorts service.

YouTube also showcased other Music AI Tools, allowing users to build music tracks without traditional instruments. The Lyria music generation model from Google's DeepMind powers these tools. The AI-generated audio produced by Lyria includes an inaudible SynthID watermark, providing a way to identify AI-generated content even if modified.

While the music industry has been cautious about AI-generated content, major executives, including Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge, have supported YouTube's experiment. The Dream Track initiative is described as an experiment to explore technology's potential in creating meaningful connections between artists and creators.

YouTube's Dream Track feature is part of an experimental phase to foster collaboration between artists and technology partners. The platform actively seeks feedback from participating artists to shape the future of AI-generated music. The details of how the AI tech is trained and potential monetization strategies remain unspecified, highlighting the experimental nature of Dream Track.

YouTube's AI Music Tools are set to expand, allowing users to create saxophone tracks, drum loops, orchestral scores, and more without traditional instruments. Participants in YouTube's Music AI incubator will have the opportunity to test these tools later in the year.