Spotify’s planned AI remix feature is unlikely to launch initially as scheduled, according to the Financial Times, which cited people familiar with the project. Preparatory work is reportedly progressing more slowly than expected, while the streaming company is considering an additional monthly fee of up to $5 for access.
The main obstacle appears to be convincing well-known contemporary musicians to participate. Some established older artists have reportedly expressed interest, but several active performers remain opposed to using artificial intelligence in their music. Spotify is discussing participation with individual artists alongside Universal, while negotiations with Sony Music and Warner Music are still ongoing. Artists would make the final decision, including those signed to one of the participating record companies.
Universal and Spotify announced their AI remix agreement in May 2026. In August, Spotify co-chief executive Gustav Söderström said the service would be released once it was ready, initially as a public “Research Preview” for a limited group of users. The reported delay is now linked to resistance from musicians, including US singer Olivia Rodrigo, who told The Hollywood Reporter in early October that she would never use AI in her music.
Artists who approve the use of their songs are expected to receive a share of the additional fees when their tracks are modified with AI. Users would be able to alter songs from participating musicians, potentially turning a rock track into a dance remix or creating a cover version. Unlike services that generate entirely new music, Spotify’s tool would work from existing songs rather than producing tracks without an original template.
According to Bernstein analyst Ian Moore, cited by the Financial Times, between seven and eight percent of Spotify’s paying customers in the United States could use the feature by the end of 2028. He believes that adoption could support Spotify’s revenue-growth targets.
Sources: t3n.