Merlin Signs Spotify Licensing Deal for AI-Powered Fan-Made Covers and Remixes

Merlin, the global rights agency representing independent music labels and distributors, has signed a licensing agreement with Spotify to enable AI-powered fan-made covers and remixes. The deal grants Spotify the rights to let fans create AI-generated versions of songs from participating Merlin member artists and songwriters.

The arrangement marks a notable step in formalizing licensing frameworks for AI-driven music creation on major streaming platforms, bringing independent rights holders into a structure that attempts to balance fan creativity with artist consent and compensation.