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

_Legal · published 2026-08-04_

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.

## Sources
- [Music Business Worldwide](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/merlin-signs-spotify-licensing-deal-for-ai-powered-fan-made-covers-and-remixes/)
- [Music Business Worldwide](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-says-it-doesnt-need-deals-with-all-the-major-labels-to-launch-its-ai-covers-and-remixes-tool/)
- [TechCrunch – AI](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/04/spotify-adds-merlin-to-its-ai-music-remix-and-covers-effort/)
---
Canonical: https://genbuzz.news/posts/merlin-signs-spotify-licensing-deal-for-ai-powered-fan-made-covers-and-remixes