YouTube has introduced its artificial intelligence (AI) music experiment called “Dream Track,” which allows users to generate unique soundtracks of up to 30 seconds for their YouTube Shorts.
It works by typing an idea into the feature’s creation prompt and then selecting a participating artist from the carousel. YouTube’s roster of nine artists includes Alec Benjamin, Papoose, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Charlie Puth, Sia, T-Pain, Troye Sivan, and Charli XCX.
The result is an original Shorts soundtrack that uses the AI-generated voice of the chosen artist for the creator to use in their short-form video. Currently, the feature is only available to a small group of select United States-based creators.
Courtesy of YouTube
Dream Track is powered by Lyria, Google DeepMind’s most advanced music generation model at the moment. The experiment in its initial phase is designed to explore how technology can be used to connect artists, creators, and fans.
The partner artists expressed optimism in their participation in YouTube’s AI music experiment. They generally mentioned contributing to the project so that the industry can gain more insights into AI.
“I’m extremely excited and inspired by the realm of musical possibilities that come from allowing the human mind to collaborate with the non-human mind. YouTube has been a great partner in outlining their approach to AI and understands the need to work together with artists like me to develop this technology responsibly, ensuring it will accelerate creativity instead of replacing it,” Puth said.
A few of them, however, admitted to having some apprehensions at first. “When I was first approached by YouTube I was cautious and still am,” XCX said. “AI is going to transform the world and the music industry in ways we do not yet fully understand. This experiment will offer a small insight into the creative opportunities that could be possible and I’m interested to see what comes out of it.”