The video digs into the legal and copyright issues surrounding music created or modified using AI, especially from platforms like Suno and Udio.
It argues that purely AI-generated music typically cannot be copyrighted under U.S. law, because the law requires some element of human authorship.
But there are ways to create “hybrid” music (AI + human input) that can qualify for copyright, if the human contribution is clear and substantial.
âś… What Does Count as Human Input (and thus Can Help You Own Your Music)
The video lists four types of creative input that are likely to meet the criteria for copyright:
Writing original lyrics or melodies by hand (or via your own composition process).
Engaging in sophisticated prompt engineering, meaning you don’t just give a simple AI prompt, but carefully craft and iteratively refine it to shape the outcome.
Recording human performances (vocals, instruments) which the AI then processes or builds upon.
Doing post-production editing / mixing / arrangement / mastering, adding your artistic decisions after AI generation.
So: if you just hit “generate”, and the AI spits out music, that’s risky. But if you steer the creative input meaningfully, you may have a legitimate claim.
⚠️ What You Don’t Get with Pure AI Music
Using AI alone (especially on free-tier or default licenses from platforms like Suno/Udio) typically doesn’t amount to copyright-eligible “authorship.”
Even paid-license music from AI platforms might only give you a license to use, not full copyright ownership.
Platform Terms of Service can grant usage rights, but they cannot create human authorship where none existed, so you might not be able to enforce copyright in the broader market.
🛡️ What You Should Do (if You’re Using AI for Music)
Document all your creative steps: save your prompts, iterations, project files, stems/tracks, edits, especially anything that shows how you “shaped” the AI’s output. The video warns you may need this if you register for copyright.
Consider registering properly. When you file with the United States Copyright Office, you’ll need to clarify whether you’re registering a composition, a sound recording, or both, depending on how you combined AI + human input.
When using AI platforms, review their Terms of Service carefully. Understand whether you’re getting a limited license or something broader, that distinction can matter a lot, especially around commercial release or licensing.
