XX: WILDCARD

 

AI in the Music Industry

Artificial intelligence has quietly become one of the most disruptive forces in the modern music industry not through record labels or streaming platforms, but through TikTok. In recent years, AI-generated songs that imitate the voices and styles of major artists have gone viral, drawing millions of views and igniting debate over creativity, ownership, and authenticity. Rather than framing AI as either a revolutionary breakthrough or a cultural threat, its rise on TikTok reflects a familiar pattern: new music technologies often face backlash before becoming normalized.

TikTok’s algorithm rewards novelty, making it an ideal environment for experimental audio. AI-generated tracks such as songs mimicking Drake, The Weeknd, or other recognizable voices circulate widely not as polished releases, but as viral content. These songs function similarly to memes, designed to surprise or spark conversation rather than compete with traditional studio productions.

@audiolyrics25 We are Charlie Kirk #wearecharliekirk #fyp #lyrics ♬ original sound - Chris

The backlash surrounding AI music mirrors earlier controversies in the industry, particularly the introduction of auto-tune. When auto-tune gained mainstream attention in the late 1990s and early 2000s, critics argued it diluted vocal authenticity and lowered artistic standards. Today, auto-tune is widely accepted as a creative tool rather than a shortcut, used intentionally across genres from pop to hip-hop. This historical parallel suggests that resistance to AI music may stem as much from cultural discomfort as from legitimate concern.

@itzkevinreborn It was made by ai 😳 #tiktok #relatable #viralvideo ♬ I Run - HAVEN. & Kaitlin Aragon

Still, key distinctions remain. Unlike auto-tune, which enhances a performer’s own voice, many AI-generated TikTok songs replicate an artist’s voice without consent. This raises ethical and legal questions about identity, intellectual property, and compensation. While audiences may understand that these songs are artificial, their appeal relies heavily on the recognition of real artists, blurring the line between parody and exploitation.

@womanlystateofmind This Brazilian song has been used in 2.1 million videos and streamed billions of times on this app. How many of you were aware you were listening to AI? #haven #irun #ai ♬ Predador de Perereca - BLOW RECORDS & Mc Jhey

At the same time, AI technology is not inherently adversarial to creativity. Many producers and independent artists already use AI-assisted tools for beat generation, sound design, and songwriting prompts. In these cases, AI operates as a supplement to human creativity rather than a replacement for it.

@isaacbottemiller

SING IT AGAINNN

♬ som original - ꌚꁏꌈ꒒ ꂵꌈꌚꀤꇃ IA 🎹🎙️🎧📼📻

TikTok’s rapid trend cycle has placed pressure on the music industry to respond faster than ever. Several viral AI tracks have been removed from streaming platforms following copyright disputes, underscoring how unprepared existing frameworks are for this shift. As with auto-tune before it, the challenge lies not in rejecting the technology outright, but in establishing boundaries that protect artists while allowing innovation.

AI music’s popularity on TikTok signals a transitional moment. It is not the end of musicianship, nor is it a harmless novelty. Instead, it represents the latest evolution in how technology reshapes music, forcing the industry to decide how creativity, ownership, and ethics will coexist in a digital-first era.