The feature comes as AI tools increasingly make it easier to produce songs and even entire “artists” that exist only in digital form. Under the new system, verified profiles will display a green checkmark and the label “Verified by Spotify” on artist pages and in search results.
To qualify, artists must demonstrate an authentic presence both on and off the platform. Spotify will look for indicators such as live concert activity, merchandise availability, and linked social media accounts on artist profiles. Accounts primarily representing AI-generated music or AI persona-based artists will not be eligible for verification.
The company will also require consistent listener engagement over time, prioritising artists with sustained audience interest rather than those who experience short-lived viral spikes. According to Spotify, more than 99% of artists actively searched for by listeners at launch will already meet the criteria, many of them independent musicians across a wide range of genres and regions.
“We’ve designed this new verification program thoughtfully with listeners and artists in mind, and we’ll continue to evolve this program over time,” Spotify wrote in a blog post. “Our goal is to make it easier for you to trust and understand the human artistry behind the music you listen to on Spotify, and develop long-term, meaningful connections with the artists and music you love.”
The rollout will take place gradually over the coming weeks due to the platform’s vast catalogue of artist profiles. Spotify noted that the absence of a badge does not mean an artist will be permanently excluded, as verification will continue over time.
In addition to badges, Spotify is introducing a new beta section on artist profiles highlighting career milestones, releases, and touring activity. The feature aims to give users clearer insight into an artist’s real-world activity and creative history.
These updates are part of Spotify’s broader response to rising “AI slop” and impersonation issues in music. The company has also been testing an “Artist Profile Protection” tool that lets artists review releases before they appear on their pages. This follows reports of widespread AI-generated impersonation tracks being removed across streaming services.
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