The Royalty Collection Issue of Distributing Music Generated by Suno and Udio
The Rise of AI-Generated Music on Platforms Like Suno and Udio
AI music generators like Suno and Udio are changing how creators approach music production. With just a prompt, users can generate fully produced tracks in minutes—no studio, no instruments, no prior experience. While these tools offer accessibility and innovation, they also raise complex questions about how that music fits into existing royalty collection and music distribution systems. Who gets paid when no human actually composed the track?
As these platforms gain traction, more AI-generated tracks are being uploaded to DSPs (digital service providers), sometimes without clear attribution or rights data. That creates friction between tech innovation and industry norms that were built around human authorship.
Why Music Distribution Needs a New Framework
Traditional music distribution platforms were designed for human-made content with clear rights metadata, such as ISRC codes, writer splits, and publisher data. When songs from Udio or Suno are uploaded without this info, it creates gaps in the royalty chain. Distributors risk hosting content that can’t be monetized correctly—or worse, opens them to legal risk if rights are disputed.
Some DSPs and music libraries are now looking for AI music detection tools to verify content before distribution. This helps flag synthetic tracks and ensure proper labeling, but it’s only a temporary solution until policies around AI music solidify.
The Need for Transparent Licensing in AI Music
To move forward, platforms like Suno and Udio must implement clearer licensing structures and educate users on distribution rights. Whether through Creative Commons, buy-out licensing, or user agreements, it’s crucial to define how these tracks can be used commercially and who is entitled to payment.
Meanwhile, detection platforms such as aimusicdetection.com are playing a vital role in flagging AI-generated content and protecting catalogs from legal ambiguity. As AI becomes more embedded in the industry, detection and verification will be essential steps in ethical distribution and royalty management.
Conclusion
AI music tools like Suno and Udio have sparked a revolution in creative expression but they’ve also created a legal and financial gray area. Until industry-wide standards catch up, creators, platforms, and distributors must tread carefully. Royalty collection depends on attribution, and without clear ownership structures, everyone risks losing out. If AI music is going to thrive, it needs to do so within a system that protects rights, clarifies usage, and ensures creators—human or otherwise get paid.