YouTube is launching a new feature that allows creators to use AI technology to generate custom instrumental backing music that can be added to videos. In an update released on the Creator Insider Channel this week, the company shares that it is beginning to roll out updates to its Creator Music Marketplace, allowing creators to use AI prompts to generate new songs.
According to YouTube, the feature is being rolled out “gradually” to creators who have access to Creator Music, the platform’s commercial music license resource launched in 2023. Marketplace is designed to make it easier for creators to find music, add videos and understand the cost. However, AI Music offers another free option.
Creators with access to new AI features will see the Music Assistant tab in Creator Music. The free text field lets you explain the type of music you want to create, such as specifying the instrument, mood, and the type of video you are creating. Some suggested prompts are also provided under the field to help users get started.
Once the tracks are generated, the creator can download them and add them to the video. YouTube points out that music is free to use, so creators don’t have to worry about copyright claims.
Creator Music is available to US creators of the YouTube Partner Program.
YouTube previously tested a similar generation AI feature called “Dream Track” with Deepmind’s Lyria. This allowed people to create 30-second music tracks in the style of famous artists. Currently, the “Dream Track” feature focuses solely on instrumental music, the YouTube help documentation states.