YouTube adds AI music instrumental tools and beat syncing feature
YouTube introduces a new instrumental generator, beat-matching for Shorts, and quicker monetization- aiming to simplify content creation for artists and creators.
YouTube’s new “Custom instrumentals”
YouTube has launched a new “Custom Instrumentals” feature that lets creators generate copyright-free background music using simple text prompts. Currently, the feature is rolling out to users with access to the Creator Music beta within YouTube Studio. YouTube began testing Creator Studio in 2023, with “Custom Instrumentals” found under a new “Music Assistant” tab.
YouTube explained via its Creator Insider Channel
Creators can now describe the kind of sound they need for the video, and the AI generates a matching instrumental. Users can specify mood, instruments, and video type that the music will serve as a soundtrack for. YouTube has confirmed that the tool is free to use and copyright-safe.
For artists and creators, this feature removes the stress of finding royalty-free tracks or worrying about takedown claims. It’s particularly useful for independent artists and creators who are strapped for cash but still want polished, engaging, and professional-sounding videos.
Beat matching for Shorts
YouTube is also testing a new beat-syncing feature for Shorts. This feature automatically matches your chosen photos and video clips to the rhythm of a selected song, making edits feel smooth and easy.
While it’s especially useful for music-driven storytelling and creating eye-catching Shorts, this feature can be used for more personal projects, like syncing soundtracks to private video or photo collections.
YouTube explained via its Creator Insider Channel
This update builds on recent upgrades to the Shorts editor, which now includes multi-clip trimming, layered text, and voiceovers. Enhancing the content creation process, YouTube is making editing an easier and more intuitive experience.
What this means for artists and the music industry
For artists and creators, these features could help artists increase exposure and engagement on YouTube.
As AI tools become available alternatives, YouTube’s AI instrumental feature could put pressure on stock music artists and music licensing companies that creators use for instrumental music. Despite this, copyright-free AI instrumentals help lower the barrier to entry for emerging artists to create high-quality content. Free of charge, these instrumentals serve as the ideal opportunity for artists low on cash to use instrumental music in their content without worrying about copyright claims.
YouTube Shorts continue to be a key driver of viral clips and music. Tools like beat matching make it quicker to create engaging short-form content. For artists and creators, this makes it easier to create catchy clips and generate a global buzz.
New identify verification for monetization
YouTube is also overhauling how it verifies creators’ identity for monetization. The currently outdated method relied on sending a physically mailed PIN to verify- a process that could take weeks.
Now, YouTube is looking to modernize its ID verification process through government-issued IDs and completing a facial scan. Despite the obvious flaws and concerns, this update could reduce the waiting time for creators to start earning from YouTube content.
Want to get your music featured in YouTube Shorts, or earn money when your songs are used in YouTube videos? RouteNote offers free distribution to YouTube Music, and free access to YouTube Content ID so artists can share and monetize their tracks with ease.