Real Artists. Real Work. Why We’re Evolving Our Content Policies at Unchained Music
At Unchained Music, we’ve always believed in building something different, a distribution platform that’s truly artist-first.
Today, we’re updating our policies around AI-generated content, generic uploads, and UGC platform distribution. These changes aren’t just about compliance, but rather they’re about preserving the integrity of music as a creative artform and protecting the artists who put in the real work.
Here's what's being updated and why we're updating it.
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AI is a Tool, Not a Shortcut
We’re excited about the future of music creation with AI. Some of the most forward-thinking artists in the world are already using AI tools to explore new sounds, break genre boundaries, and collaborate with technology in deeply personal ways.
Whether it’s training a model on your own stems, building custom instruments with machine learning, or co-writing with a generative assistant, this is what innovation looks like when driven by intention. And we welcome that.
But there’s a growing shadow alongside this innovation.
We’ve seen an increasing number of "press-a-button" tracks, low-effort, mass-produced content created by AI tools with zero editing, no human input, and often, no idea who owns what. These tracks aren’t just uninspiring but they actively threaten the visibility and viability of real artists.
When music becomes an algorithmic commodity, stripped of identity, voice, and emotion, it’s not art. It’s noise. And it drowns out the very people we built Unchained Music to serve.
That’s why we’ve updated our AI policy with the following guardrails:
- You must have full rights and licensing for any AI-generated sound recordings you distribute.
- You must use transparent, ethically-trained AI engines like Hitcraft.ai or Beatoven.ai that don’t rely on unlicensed, scraped datasets.
- You must prove human involvement in the creative process. This could be through editing, production, arrangement, or any clear creative fingerprint.
- You must credit the AI model appropriately in the metadata especially if it acted as a composer or lyricist.
This is about balance.
We’re not here to block progress but we are here to make sure progress doesn’t erase people. The best music has always come from a mix of tools and talent, of technology and heart.
Generic Content Is Cluttering the Stage
Over the past year, we’ve witnessed an explosion of low-effort, generic content flooding streaming platforms. We're talking about endless white noise loops titled “Rain Sounds 1”, ambient tracks with no structure or progression, and templated metadata like “Lo-Fi Beat #004” or “Sleep Music – Study Focus”.
On the surface, these releases may seem harmless. But behind them is often a strategy: gaming the system to generate passive royalties with minimal effort (or worse, with fully automated content) that clogs the very pipes artists rely on for discoverability.
This kind of content isn’t made to connect with listeners. It’s made to exploit algorithms.
And the impact is real.
- It pollutes search results, making it harder for real artists to be found.
- It undermines discoverability, especially for emerging creators.
- It violates the terms of many streaming platforms, putting entire catalogs at risk.
- It damages trust, both with our distribution partners and the artists who rely on us.
- And most importantly, it sends the wrong message about what Unchained Music is here to do.
We’re not building a platform for content mills. We’re building a platform for musicians with vision, producers with purpose, and artists with something to say.
That’s why we’re drawing a clear line: No generic content.
If your release is little more than a loop with a title like “Track 002,” it won’t pass review. If your artist name is “Focus Sounds” and every track sounds the same, we’ll ask for more. And if your catalog lacks musicality, originality, or intention, it doesn’t belong in our ecosystem.
We only want to distribute music made with:
- Intention: It means something to you, and it’s made for real people.
- Identity: It reflects who you are or what your artistic vision is.
- Integrity: You created it, not a click farm, content bot, or royalty scheme.
Platforms are already cracking down. We’re getting ahead of the curve because we believe music deserves better.
Unchained Music isn’t just another pipeline. It’s a home for artists who care.
📲 UGC Distribution Requires Real Ownership
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Snap, Instagram, and Facebook have become essential for music discovery. Viral moments, short-form content, and community-driven trends can launch careers overnight. But with that power comes an urgent need for ownership transparency.
Platforms and rights-holders are no longer want content that interferes with their matching algorigthms, especially when it comes to user-generated content (UGC).
They’re demanding one thing above all: proof of ownership.
So starting now, if you want to distribute music to UGC platforms through Unchained, you’ll need to provide:
- Proof that you own 100% of the content, or have an exclusive license to distribute it
- A completed rights and identity form confirming who you are, what you’ve created, and what rights you hold.
This process may feel like an extra step, but it’s one that protects you and Unchained.
Here’s the truth. You deserve to have your music protected, respected, and monetized fairly, but that can only happen when the system is built on trust, clarity, and real ownership. UGC platforms can’t be a free-for-all. When they are, the real artists suffer, drowned out by duplicates, derivatives, and digital noise.
Our job at Unchained is to make sure your music doesn’t get lost in that mess. That means we're raising the bar for both access and accountability.
Our Vision: Reward Real Artists
This isn’t just about policy. It’s about purpose.
At Unchained Music, we’re here to build a platform that serves artists, not exploits them. One that uplifts creativity, rewards originality, and defends the integrity of the art form itself.
We believe in a future of music where:
- Real artists are rewarded for real work. No bots. No spam. No shortcuts. Just great music created by people who care about the craft.
- Creators can build lasting careers. Without having to compete with fully automated content farms or gaming algorithms.
- Music discovery is honest and earned. Not manipulated by SEO hacks, generic loops, or keyword-stuffed titles.
- Opportunities flow from trust and transparency. Not from those who flood the system, but from those who fuel it with purpose.
This vision is why we’re raising the bar.
We’re not anti-AI. We’re not anti-technology. But we are 100% pro-artist.
And if you’re building something meaningful, something real, we’ve got your back.
Unchained Music is more than a distribution platform. It’s an ecosystem, a community, and a commitment to doing things differently.
Final Thoughts
As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of AI music and generative AI technology presents both exciting opportunities and challenges. At Unchained Music, we are determined to support primary artists who use AI-assisted tools responsibly, ensuring that technology amplifies creativity, not replace it. We believe that by upholding ethical standards and maintaining transparency, we can help foster an environment where original work thrives, and artists are empowered to create with integrity.
In this evolving landscape, the music industry must adapt to new technologies while protecting the rights and visibility of independent creators. Together, we’re reshaping the future of music, where innovation and artistic integrity coexist, and artists can confidently share their work with the world, knowing they’re supported every step of the way.
Embrace the Future of Music with Integrity
The world of music is constantly evolving, and Unchained Music is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring new creative tools or perfecting your craft, we’re dedicated to ensuring your work stays true to your vision and reaches the right listeners.
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FAQ
What is Unchained Music’s policy on AI-generated music?
At Unchained Music, we embrace AI-assisted music creation but with clear guidelines. We support music creators who use generative AI tools, such as machine learning to compose original tracks or collaborate with AI models. However, we require full rights and licensing for any AI-generated music you distribute, and we expect human involvement in the creative process. The AI model must be credited in the metadata, especially if it contributed to composing or writing lyrics.
Why is Unchained Music limiting the distribution of generic content?
Generic content, like low-effort AI generated tracks with no artistic vision or human input, has flooded streaming platforms, making it harder for independent artists to be discovered. At Unchained, we aim to prioritize original content with identity and integrity. We will not distribute fully AI-generated content that lacks meaning or connection with real listeners.
What does Unchained Music require for UGC distribution?
To distribute music on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram through Unchained, you must prove ownership of the content. This includes submitting a rights and identity form confirming the intellectual property you hold. Unchained requires that all third-party content used in your submissions is properly licensed to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the platform.
Can I use AI tools to help create my music?
Yes, AI-assisted tools can be used as a part of your creative process. Generative AI technology has opened exciting opportunities for music creators to explore new sounds and push genre boundaries. However, we require that AI-generated music be combined with human involvement to ensure that the track reflects artistic intent and isn’t just a fully AI-generated product. This ensures your work aligns with our ethical standards.
What happens if my music is flagged as "generic" or low-effort?
If your release is considered generic or lacks originality, it will not pass our review process. We’re committed to supporting independent artists who create with intention and authenticity. Tracks that are seen as low-effort, generic sounding, or without a clear creative process may be removed from the platform as they do not align with our values of responsible music distribution.
How can I ensure my AI-generated music complies with Unchained's policies?
To ensure compliance, you must have full intellectual property rights over any AI-generated music you upload. Use ethically-trained AI engines that avoid using unlicensed or scraped datasets. Additionally, it’s essential to show how you’ve contributed creatively, whether through editing, production, or arrangement. Transparency in the creative process is key, and you must disclose details about the AI tools used, including crediting the AI model in the metadata.