Could AI Music on TikTok and Short Video Threaten Artists?

AI-generated music is advancing rapidly, posing tricky questions around how it could impact real artists, especially on short video platforms like TikTok.

Music is a huge part of short video apps. Sounds paired with visuals in formats like TikTok have launched many songs to viral fame. This has benefited artists through streaming royalties and exposure.

But what happens when AI can generate custom music on demand for any video?

Apps like Riffusion already allow users to get AI-created music clips from text prompts. Riffusion just raised $4 million in funding, showing major interest in AI music. Platforms like Facebook are also exploring AI music through projects like MusicGen.

So how might this affect artists?

On one hand, AI music creation tools could help spark ideas or provide quick backing tracks. Applications focused on assisting artists may provide healthy competition.

On the other hand, totally AI-generated music risks replacing real artists, especially on short video platforms. Users could start picking AI music over songs by actual musicians.

For example, TikTok creators may use Riffusion to get a custom AI track tailored to their content rather than browsing TikTok’s library. If AI can mimic any genre, mood or artist, what role is left for real musicians?

Unlike human artists who spend years honing their craft, AI can pump out limitless music. It doesn’t tire, require payment, or have a unique style. Generation costs plummet.

This also creates ethical issues around training AI systems using actual musicians’ work without consent or compensation. Whose work fed the algorithms – and who benefits from the output?

Major artists like The Chainsmokers are already advising companies like Riffusion as AI music explodes. But unknown and up-and-coming artists could suffer from the tech taking off.

Getting your breakout TikTok hit is much harder when you’re competing with AI that can produce endless personalized music on demand. AI made for short video could drastically shrink opportunities for real artists.

That’s why musicians are increasingly speaking out on the need for regulation as AI capabilities grow. Organizations like ASCAP have called for legal protections, and senators recently proposed bans on unauthorized AI voice and likeness usage.

There are also initiatives like IMPF’s ethical manifesto calling for human-centric AI that assists rather than replaces artists.

AI will continue revolutionizing how music is made and consumed. But we must thoughtfully shape its evolution to preserve what makes music human – creative expression.

For short video platforms thriving off pairing music with content, maintaining human artistry should be a priority. Integrating AI ethically could even open up new opportunities for artists.

There’s ample room for AI in music’s future. But we have to ensure the humans aren’t left behind.