In October 2025, Spotify announced a formal partnership with all three major record labels (Universal, Sony, Warner) plus Merlin and Believe to develop AI music tools that compensate artists — and disclosed it is building its own generative AI research lab.

Announced October 16, 2025. The four principles of the partnership: upfront label agreements, artist choice in participation, fair compensation, and tools that don't replace human artistry. Spotify stated: "Some voices in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We don't." The company confirmed it is building a "state-of-the-art generative AI research lab and product team," though no specific products have been announced.