YouTube Shorts recently launched Dream Track, a new tool using AI that gives creators the ability to make music with artificially generated vocals of many iconic artists, as Rolling Stone reported. It’s being first rolled out to only a minority of users. YouTube has included major voices in pop such as Demi Lovato and John Legend to help launch Dream Track.
“At this initial phase,” YouTube explains, “the experiment is designed to help explore how the technology could be used to create deeper connections between artists and creators, and ultimately, their fans. Starting today, nine artists including Alec Benjamin, Charlie Puth, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, John Legend, Papoose, Sia, T-Pain, and Troye Sivan who have chosen to collaborate in this experiment and work with us to shape the future of AI in music, are giving a small group of select U.S. creators the chance to create unique soundtracks of up to 30 seconds for their Shorts.”
AI-generated vocals by major artists have already been making headway on the internet, mostly lacking approval. There are legal and ethical implications, mainly for the artist who supplies the voice. Last year, an AI-generated rap song replicating Drake and The Weeknd entitled “Heart on My Sleeve,” became popular before it was removed from streaming services for being allegedly unauthorized. However, YouTube wants to work with artists’ approval.
“That’s why we developed a set of AI Music principles and a Music AI incubator published earlier this year that are rooted in responsible collaboration,” YouTube states. “Since then, we’ve been exploring the possibilities of how AI can empower creativity alongside artists, songwriters, producers and our partners while also identifying its challenges.”