Using AI-generated music commercially: what to check first

To use AI-generated music commercially, first confirm the copyright laws in your region, as they are still developing and vary. Next, review the specific platform's terms where you plan to use the music, like YouTube or Spotify, as their policies can change. Finally, check Suno's terms of service, which state that a paid plan is required for commercial use.

AI music generation tools, like Suno, use advanced models to create unique songs from text prompts. These tools offer a new way to produce music for various projects. However, using this music for commercial purposes involves several considerations beyond simply generating a track.

What is commercial use?

Commercial use generally means using music to make money, directly or indirectly. This could include using a song as background for a YouTube video where you display ads, in a podcast that sells sponsorships, or as part of a product you sell. If you intend to benefit financially from content that includes AI-generated music, it is likely considered commercial use.

Copyright in AI-generated music is unsettled

One of the most important things to understand is that copyright law for AI-generated content is still evolving. Different countries and legal jurisdictions have varying approaches. For instance, some copyright offices, including the U.S. Copyright Office, have stated they will not register works that lack human authorship. This means that if a piece of music is considered solely created by an AI, it might not be eligible for copyright protection in some places.

This situation is complex and subject to change. It is crucial to check the current copyright laws and rulings in your specific country or region before using AI-generated music commercially. Suno cannot provide legal advice, so consulting a legal professional familiar with copyright law in your jurisdiction is always a good idea.

Suno's terms of service for commercial use

When you use Suno to generate music, you agree to its terms of service. For free plans, Suno's terms typically do not include commercial usage rights. This means that music generated under a free plan is for personal, non-commercial use only.

If you want to use music generated with Suno for commercial projects, you will need a paid plan. Suno's paid plans often come with different terms regarding commercial use. Always review the latest Suno Terms of Service to understand what is permitted under your specific plan. This document outlines your rights and responsibilities when using the music generated by our platform.

Platform policies for AI content

Beyond copyright law and Suno's terms, you must also consider the policies of any platform where you plan to share your content. Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, or even film festivals and advertising networks, may have their own rules regarding AI-generated content.

Some platforms might require you to disclose that your content uses AI. Others might have restrictions on monetization or distribution of AI-generated works. These policies can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check and comply with the most current terms of service for each platform where you intend to publish or distribute your music. Always check the official documentation from the platform directly.

How to generate music with Suno

Suno uses text prompts to create music. You describe the music you want, and the AI generates it. The more specific your prompt, the better the result often is. Remember, the generation process is probabilistic; the same prompt can yield different results each time.

Example prompts for Suno:

"A chill synthwave track with a driving beat, spacey pads, and a retro feel. Tempo 120 bpm, key C major, duration 3 minutes."

"Upbeat acoustic folk song with male vocals, lyrics about a road trip, light drums, and a catchy guitar riff. Tempo 100 bpm."

"Dark, ominous orchestral piece for a movie trailer, featuring booming percussion, low strings, and a tense build-up. No vocals."

Suno's Lyria 3 models create the lyrics, vocals, and arrangement. While the models are powerful, they cannot perfectly imitate specific real-world artists or copyrighted songs. Focus on describing the style, mood, instrumentation, and lyrical themes you want rather than naming a particular artist.

SynthID watermarking

Every track generated by Suno carries an inaudible SynthID watermark. This watermark is embedded in the audio to indicate that the content was AI-generated. It does not affect the sound quality but helps distinguish AI-generated content from human-created content. This is a standard practice for responsible AI development and usage.

Key takeaways before commercial use

Before you use any AI-generated music for commercial purposes, make sure to:

• Check local copyright laws: Understand the legal landscape for AI-generated works in your country.
• Review Suno's terms: Ensure your Suno plan includes commercial usage rights.
• Examine platform policies: Comply with the rules of any platform where you will publish your music.
• Consult legal counsel: If you have specific legal questions or concerns, seek advice from a qualified lawyer.