Spotify is launching a new verification program to combat spam, fakes, and AI. Some artists will now have a “Verified by Spotify” badge and a green checkmark on their profile, indicating that the company has confirmed a real person is behind the music and the profile. At least at launch, Spotify says that AI personas or profiles that primarily upload AI-generated music are not eligible for the verification program. It did leave the door open to the possibility in the future, though, saying, “the concept of artist authenticity is complex and quickly evolving.”
Not just anyone can be verified, however. Spotify says that there must be “consistent listener activity and engagement over time,” suggesting that if you can’t cross the threshold for royalty payments, Spotify might not bother to verify your artist page. To verify acts the company isn’t asking people to send in photos of their driver’s licenses. Instead, it’s looking for activity both on and off its platform, including social media activity, merch sales, and concert dates.
Spotify says that “more than 99% of artists Spotify listeners actively search for” will be verified at launch. That includes a significant number of independent acts, not just major-label bands, and verification approvals will continue on a rolling basis.
Spotify is also beta testing new artist details that it compares to nutritional labels. It puts key artist details like milestones, album releases, and touring activity into an easy-to-digest format.