{"id":108576,"date":"2026-09-01T09:14:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T08:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=108576"},"modified":"2026-09-01T09:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T08:14:15","slug":"music-industry-news-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/music-industry-news-august-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The biggest music industry news | August 2026 roundup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 style=\"user-select: auto;\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff; user-select: auto;\">Spotify\u2019s latest artist and AI updates, YouTube changes coming to creators and a new licensing deal for fan-made music. Plus, Apple Music prepares to label AI-generated content.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>Spotify introduces User Notes for playlists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spotify has launched User Notes, allowing listeners to add personal captions and memories to songs in playlists they own or manage. The notes can explain where someone discovered a track, why it matters to them or the memory attached to it, turning playlists into more personal spaces for music discovery. While the feature won\u2019t directly affect royalties or playlist placement, it could give artists another way to build lasting connections with fans around their music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"0vJ04Ml9An\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-user-notes\/\">Spotify User Notes bring personal stories to playlists<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Spotify User Notes bring personal stories to playlists&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-user-notes\/embed\/#?secret=0vJ04Ml9An\" data-secret=\"0vJ04Ml9An\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Spotify expands Discovery Mode performance reports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spotify has expanded its Discovery Mode reporting, giving artists more insight into how promotional campaigns affect their audience and streams. The updated reports cover audience growth, long-term engagement and streams, while new campaign and historical lift metrics help artists compare performance with estimated results without Discovery Mode. The additional data gives artists a clearer picture of whether campaigns are reaching new listeners and encouraging actions such as saves and playlist adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"B0U0uJlG3v\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-discovery-mode-performance-report-update\/\">Spotify updates Discovery Mode reports with new campaign insights<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Spotify updates Discovery Mode reports with new campaign insights&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-discovery-mode-performance-report-update\/embed\/#?secret=B0U0uJlG3v\" data-secret=\"B0U0uJlG3v\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Spotify and Merlin expand fan-made covers and remixes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spotify has announced a new licensing agreement with Merlin for its upcoming fan-made covers and remixes feature, bringing more independent artists and labels into the initiative. Eligible rights holders will be able to opt in and allow Premium users to create AI-powered covers and remixes of their music, with Spotify promising credit and compensation for participating artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"iaQpRWzZXg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-and-merlin-announce-licensing-agreement-for-fan-made-covers-and-remixes\/\">Spotify and Merlin announce licensing agreement for fan-made covers and remixes<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Spotify and Merlin announce licensing agreement for fan-made covers and remixes&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-and-merlin-announce-licensing-agreement-for-fan-made-covers-and-remixes\/embed\/#?secret=iaQpRWzZXg\" data-secret=\"iaQpRWzZXg\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>YouTube announces major Partner Program changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>YouTube is making significant changes to its Partner Program from February 2027, including doubling the thresholds for new creators to access advertising and Premium revenue sharing. New applicants will need 8,000 qualified watch hours or 20 million qualified Shorts views, while Shorts creators will need to maintain 10 million qualified views over 90 days to keep earning from Shorts. At the same time, YouTube is introducing additional earning opportunities through Shopping, brand deals, trends and the expansion of Premium Lite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"YlOeLXtLu1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/youtube-partner-program-changes-2027\/\">YouTube Partner Program changes for 2027 and what artists need to know<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;YouTube Partner Program changes for 2027 and what artists need to know&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/youtube-partner-program-changes-2027\/embed\/#?secret=YlOeLXtLu1\" data-secret=\"YlOeLXtLu1\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Spotify will label AI artist personas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spotify is introducing a new AI Persona badge to identify artist profiles that appear to represent AI-generated identities. Rolling out from September, the labels will distinguish synthetic artist personas from genuine musicians who simply use AI tools as part of their creative process. Spotify also says music from identified AI Personas will be excluded from editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default unless a listener has already chosen to follow the artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"9DkRQ63gUo\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-to-label-ai-artists-with-new-ai-persona-badge\/\">Spotify to label AI artists with new AI Persona badge<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Spotify to label AI artists with new AI Persona badge&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-to-label-ai-artists-with-new-ai-persona-badge\/embed\/#?secret=9DkRQ63gUo\" data-secret=\"9DkRQ63gUo\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>YouTube changes how it counts public views<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>YouTube is changing its public view count from August 24, with views now registering as soon as a video starts playing. The update brings long-form videos in line with Shorts, but doesn\u2019t change the metrics used for monetisation or YouTube Partner Program eligibility. The previous measurement will remain available in Analytics under the name \u201cEngaged views\u201d, giving artists and creators a better indication of how many people continued watching. As a result, public view counts may rise faster, but creators will still need to look beyond the headline number to understand audience engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"fYBwjv3bWu\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/youtube-view-count-change\/\">YouTube is changing how it counts views: Here\u2019s what you need to know<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;YouTube is changing how it counts views: Here\u2019s what you need to know&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/youtube-view-count-change\/embed\/#?secret=fYBwjv3bWu\" data-secret=\"fYBwjv3bWu\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Apple Music will label AI-generated music this year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple Music is preparing to make its AI Transparency Tags visible to listeners later this year as \u201cMade With AI\u201d labels. The labels will identify releases where AI has been used to create a material portion of the content, including music primarily generated using platforms such as Suno and Udio. Labels and distributors will be responsible for providing accurate AI information when delivering releases, with the system also covering AI use in areas such as artwork and music videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ohXoObdEJ6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/apple-music-made-with-ai-labels\/\">Apple Music will label AI-generated music later this year<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Apple Music will label AI-generated music later this year&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/apple-music-made-with-ai-labels\/embed\/#?secret=ohXoObdEJ6\" data-secret=\"ohXoObdEJ6\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>SoundCloud tests direct music sales for artists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SoundCloud\u00a0is giving artists another way to make money from their music with the beta launch of\u00a0direct music purchases. The new feature lets selected artists sell downloadable tracks directly from their SoundCloud profiles. Fans can discover a song, listen to it and purchase a copy without leaving the platform. Artists can set their own prices and choose the format they provide, including MP3 and WAV. SoundCloud says it won\u2019t take a commission from sales, meaning artists keep the proceeds from each purchase after applicable fees and taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"otD5UdKO5d\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/soundcloud-direct-music-sales\/\">SoundCloud tests direct music sales for artists<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;SoundCloud tests direct music sales for artists&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/soundcloud-direct-music-sales\/embed\/#?secret=otD5UdKO5d\" data-secret=\"otD5UdKO5d\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Instagram First Draft is here to make creating Reels easier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instagram has introduced First Draft, a new feature that automatically edits video clips into a starting point for a Reel. The idea is simple: help creators spend less time editing and more time creating. For creators and independent artists already juggling music creation, promotion and social media, it could make turning existing footage into social content a little quicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"9Gvs5zH1AR\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/instagram-launches-first-draft-for-reels\/\">Instagram First Draft is here to make creating Reels easier<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Instagram First Draft is here to make creating Reels easier&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/instagram-launches-first-draft-for-reels\/embed\/#?secret=9Gvs5zH1AR\" data-secret=\"9Gvs5zH1AR\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/\">Stay up to date with the biggest news in the music industry, as well as updates from RouteNote and partners, by checking out the RouteNote blog.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spotify\u2019s latest artist and AI updates, YouTube changes coming to creators and a new licensing deal for fan-made music. Plus, Apple Music prepares to label AI-generated content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":108580,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11109],"tags":[19876,126],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.4.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The biggest music industry news | August 2026 roundup - RouteNote Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Check out August\u2019s biggest music industry news, from Spotify and YouTube updates to AI labels, licensing deals and new tools for artists.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/music-industry-news-august-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The biggest music industry news | August 2026 roundup - 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